Dog Bite Liability in Florida: Strict Liability Explained for Victims

Florida's dog bite law is one of the most victim-friendly in the country. Under Florida Statute §767.04, a dog owner is liable for damages suffered by any person bitten by the dog while in a public place or lawfully on private property—regardless of whether the dog had ever bitten anyone before or shown any prior signs of aggression. This is known as strict liability.

There are, however, defenses available to dog owners. If the victim was trespassing on private property at the time of the bite, the owner may not be liable. If the victim provoked the dog, comparative fault principles can reduce or eliminate the owner's liability.

For victims, the key considerations are medical treatment and documentation. Dog bites carry significant infection risk, and any delay in medical attention can both worsen the injury and complicate the legal claim. Photographs of the wound, the location where the bite occurred, and the dog itself are valuable evidence.

Damages in Florida dog bite cases can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in severe cases, scarring and disfigurement compensation. Children who are bitten often suffer lasting psychological trauma as well, which can be included in a damages claim.