Who pays in Florida?
the owner pays for a bite even if the dog never bit before
2 years to file Call about my state law(844) 703-3920Claim details
This is the planning limit for an ordinary adult claim against a private owner. Children's claims and claims against public owners need a separate timing review. It is not an automatic personal last date.
Your state's dog bite lawOhio Rev. Code 2305.07Other state rules
The rule in Florida: the owner pays
Florida is a strict liability state for dog bites. The owner pays even if the dog never bit anyone before. A claim that the dog was always gentle is not a defense.
The Florida statute covers people bitten in public or lawfully on private property. Make a note of where you were standing, because being there lawfully is part of the claim.
Two exceptions matter. A prominent, easily readable "Bad Dog" sign on the owner's property can limit what the owner owes. If your own carelessness helped cause the bite, your amount goes down. Learn more about strict liability.
Your deadline to file in Florida
An adult has 2 years from the bite to file in court under Florida's deadline statute. Write down the date of the bite now.
A claim against a city or county, such as a bite by a police dog, often needs a written notice of claim within months. If a public dog bit you, mention it as soon as you call.
See the dog bite statute of limitations or dog bite laws by state.
What Florida claims pay, and who pays them
Florida had 1,821 insured dog bite claims in 2024, with an average payment of $55,680, according to insurance claims data. Claims rose to 2,347 in 2025.
The average is not your number. Your bills and lost pay set the starting point. A scar or a bite to the face raises the value. Keep every bill and receipt from the first day.
A homeowners or renters policy usually covers the owner's dog. You file with the owner's insurer, and it pays up to its limit. Get the insurance company name and policy number from the owner on day one.
Report the bite: it matters more since July 2025
Get medical care first, and get emergency care if the wound is serious. Florida law requires a report when the animal may have rabies. Reports go to the Florida Department of Health office or animal services in your county.
The report records the owner's name, the dog's vaccine status and the date. Insurers and attorneys both rely on it. Read about rabies after a dog bite.
Since July 1, 2025, the Karen Rock Act requires owners of dangerous dogs to keep them securely confined. A dog that kills or badly bites someone is now taken during the dangerous dog investigation. Your report starts that investigation.
| State | Year | Claims | Average paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | 2024 | 1,821 | $55,680 |
| Florida | 2025 | 2,347 | - |