Does Florida’s Pam Rock Act Affect My Dog?
The Pam Rock Act at a Glance
On July 1, 2025, the Pam Rock Act went into effect in Florida. This law significantly changes how the state classifies and regulates “dangerous dogs.” It was named after a Florida postal worker who tragically died in a dog attack and is designed to close loopholes in prior legislation.
The law amends multiple sections in Chapter 767, Florida Statutes, including definitions, investigation procedures, owner responsibilities, and penalties. For dog owners, the act brings stricter requirements, higher insurance obligations, and faster enforcement when a dog is suspected of causing severe harm.
What Counts as a Dangerous Dog Under the New Law
Behavior-Based Standards
A dog may now be classified as “dangerous” if it:
- Aggressively bites, attacks, or endangers a person
- Repeatedly injures or kills domestic animals off the owner’s property
- Approaches or chases someone in a menacing manner when unprovoked
Exceptions to Dangerous Classification
Not every incident results in a dangerous-dog designation. A dog cannot be declared dangerous if the person injured was:
- Trespassing or unlawfully on property
- Abusing, tormenting, or provoking the dog
- Engaged in an unjustified attack on the dog’s owner or family
Immediate Confiscation in Severe Cases
If a dog kills a person or causes a severe injury as defined under Florida Statute § 767.11, animal control must immediately confiscate the dog while an investigation is pending. In some cases, the law requires euthanasia; in others, it authorizes it based on the circumstances.
For dog owners, this makes the early response critical. The sooner you involve a Florida dog bite defense attorney, the better your chances of protecting both your dog and your legal rights.
Owner Duties After a Dangerous-Dog Classification
Registration and Insurance
If your dog is classified as dangerous, you must:
- Register the dog with local animal control and renew annually
- Carry at least $100,000 in liability insurance covering injuries caused by the dog
- Provide proof of insurance to authorities
Many dog owners discover too late that their homeowners’ insurance may exclude dog bite claims. Some policies restrict coverage based on breed or prior bite history, so reviewing your policy before an incident is wise.
Secure Confinement and Public Control
Dangerous dogs must be kept in a secure enclosure on the owner’s property. This means a locked, childproof, weather-resistant structure with secure sides and top.
When outside the enclosure, the dog must be muzzled, on a strong leash, and under the control of a competent adult. Owners must also post clear warning signs at all entry points to their property.
Microchipping and Sterilization
All dangerous dogs must be microchipped and spayed or neutered. Owners are also required to report incidents such as the dog escaping, biting again, changing residence, being sold, or dying.
Local governments may add their own registration fees and reporting rules, so check with your county for specific requirements.
Investigations, Hearings, and Appeals
Investigation and Hearing Process
When a dog-related injury is reported, animal control investigates and issues a “sufficient cause” finding. If they believe the dog meets the dangerous classification, you’ll be notified.
You then have seven days to request a hearing. Hearings typically occur within 5 to 21 days. During this period, strict confinement rules apply. If you fail to request a hearing, the classification becomes final.
Right to Appeal
If you disagree with the hearing outcome, you can appeal the decision to the circuit court under Florida’s appellate rules. An experienced defense attorney can guide you through this process and preserve your rights.
Penalties Under the Pam Rock Act
Criminal Penalties
If a dog causes severe injury or death and the owner knew the dog was dangerous but failed to act responsibly, the offense is now a first-degree misdemeanor—an upgrade from prior law. If a dog kills someone, the law requires a 10-day hold before euthanasia, giving the owner time to appeal.
Civil Fines and Liability
Owners may also face steep civil fines. On top of this, Florida’s strict liability law under Florida Statute § 767.01 still applies, meaning owners are financially responsible for damages caused by their dogs, even without prior knowledge of aggression.
This is why many owners work with attorneys who understand both civil defense and insurance coverage disputes. Our firm regularly helps clients fight back against insurers who attempt to deny coverage after a dog bite claim.
Civil Defenses Available to Dog Owners
Even under the Pam Rock Act, dog owners still have defenses:
Provocation and Trespass
If the injured person was trespassing, abusing the dog, or provoking it, classification may be avoided and liability reduced.
The “Bad Dog” Sign Defense
Under Florida Statute § 767.04, properly posting a “Bad Dog” sign can limit liability when the victim is over six years old. While this does not prevent dangerous-dog classification in every case, it remains an important civil defense.
Insurance Disputes
If your insurer denies coverage, an attorney can challenge the denial, negotiate directly with the injured party, or structure settlements to minimize personal exposure. Learn more in our guide to insurance settlement disputes in Florida.
What to Do If You Receive a Dangerous Dog Notice
- Do not ignore it. Mark your calendar with the seven-day hearing deadline.
- Document everything. Keep photos, veterinary records, witness statements, and proof of enclosures or signage.
- Do not give statements to opposing counsel or insurance adjusters without legal advice.
- Contact a defense attorney immediately. Early legal guidance can mean the difference between saving your dog and facing severe financial exposure.
For more on the early stages of these cases, see our resource on pre-suit dog bite defense in Florida.
Protecting Dog Owners Across Florida
At Florida Civil Counsel, P.A., we defend dog owners throughout Florida. Based in Orlando, we serve clients statewide, including Tampa, Jacksonville, and Miami.
Because we handle both injury cases and defense, we know the strategies plaintiffs use and how to counter them effectively. If you’re facing a dangerous-dog investigation under the Pam Rock Act, contact us today to protect your rights, your finances, and your dog.
