FL
Florida House Bill H0593

Florida 2025 Regular Session

Florida House Bill H0593 Compare Versions

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1010 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
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1414 A bill to be entitled 1
1515 An act relating to dangerous dogs; providing a short 2
1616 title; amending s. 767.01, F.S.; requiring certain dog 3
1717 owners to securely confine their dogs in a proper 4
1818 enclosure; amending s. 767.10, F.S.; revising 5
1919 legislative findings relating to dangerous dogs; 6
20-amending s. 767.11, F.S.; revising definitions; 7
21-amending s. 767.12, F.S.; requiring, rather than 8
22-authorizing, that dogs subject to certain dangerous 9
23-dog investigations be confiscated, impounded, and 10
24-held; requiring, rather than authorizing, that such 11
25-dogs be held until the completion of certain actions; 12
26-revising the circumstances under which an owner is 13
27-responsible for paying certain costs and fees; 14
28-requiring that certain dogs not impounded be confined 15
29-in a proper enclosure by the owner; revising the 16
30-information that the owner of a dog classified as a 17
31-dangerous dog is required to provide to an animal 18
32-control authority; requiring microchipping of dog 19
33-classified as a dangerous dog; providing a penalty for 20
34-knowingly and willfully removing a microchip; 21
35-requiring the owner of a dog classified as a dangerous 22
36-dog to obtain dangerous dog liability insurance 23
20+reordering and amending s. 767.11, F.S.; defining the 7
21+term "department"; revising definitions; amending s. 8
22+767.12, F.S.; requiring, rather than authorizing, that 9
23+dogs subject to certain dangerous dog investigations 10
24+be confiscated, impounded, and held; requiri ng, rather 11
25+than authorizing, that such dogs be held until the 12
26+completion of certain actions; revising the 13
27+circumstances under which an owner is responsible for 14
28+paying certain costs and fees; requiring that certain 15
29+dogs not impounded be confined in a proper enclosure 16
30+by the owner; requiring animal control authorities to 17
31+provide certain information to the Department of 18
32+Agriculture and Consumer Services and to destroy 19
33+certain dogs; revising the information that the owner 20
34+of a dog classified as a dangerous dog is required to 21
35+provide to an animal control authority; requiring such 22
36+owner to obtain dangerous dog liability insurance 23
3737 coverage; providing requirements for such insurance; 24
38-requiring an animal shelter or animal control agency 25
38+revising the civil penalty for violations; creating s. 25
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4747 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
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51-operated by a humane society or local government to 26
52-provide specified information to potential adopters; 27
53-revising the civil penalty for violations; amending 28
54-ss. 767.13 and 767.135, F.S.; conforming provisions to 29
55-changes made by the act; amending s. 767.136, F.S.; 30
56-revising the circumstances under which the owner of a 31
57-dog that has not been declared dangerous is liable for 32
58-such dog's severe injury to, or the death of, a human; 33
59-providing an effective date. 34
60- 35
61-Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida: 36
62- 37
63- Section 1. This act may be cited as the "Pam Rock Act." 38
64- Section 2. Section 767.01, Florida Statutes, is amended to 39
65-read: 40
66- 767.01 Dog owner's liability for damages to persons, 41
67-domestic animals, or livestock. — 42
68- (1) A dog owner is Owners of dogs shall be liable for any 43
69-damage done by the owner's dog their dogs to a person or to any 44
70-animal included in the definitions of "domestic animal" and 45
71-"livestock" as provided by s. 585.01. 46
72- (2) If a dog owner has knowledge of the dog's dangerous 47
73-propensities, the owner must securely confine the dog in a 48
74-proper enclosure as defined in s. 767.11. 49
75- Section 3. Section 767.10, Florida Statutes, is amended to 50
51+767.125, F.S.; requiring the department to create and 26
52+maintain a statewide Dangerous Dog Registry; providing 27
53+the purpose of the registry; requiring animal control 28
54+authorities to provide the department with certain 29
55+information; requiring the department to adopt rules; 30
56+amending ss. 767.13 and 767.135, F.S.; making 31
57+technical changes; conforming provisions to changes 32
58+made by the act; amending s. 767.136, F.S.; revising 33
59+the circumstances under which the owner of a dog that 34
60+has not been declared dangerous is liable for such 35
61+dog's severe injury to, or the death of, a human; 36
62+providing an effective date. 37
63+ 38
64+Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida: 39
65+ 40
66+ Section 1. This act may be cited as the "Pam Rock Act." 41
67+ Section 2. Section 767.01, Florida Statutes, is amended to 42
68+read: 43
69+ 767.01 Dog owner's liability for damages to persons, 44
70+domestic animals, or livestock. — 45
71+ (1) A dog owner is Owners of dogs shall be liable for any 46
72+damage done by the owner's dog their dogs to a person or to any 47
73+animal included in the definitions of "dom estic animal" and 48
74+"livestock" as provided by s. 585.01. 49
75+ (2) If a dog owner has knowledge of the dog's dangerous 50
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8484 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
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88-read: 51
89- 767.10 Legislative findings. —The Legislature finds that 52
90-dangerous dogs are an increasingly serious and widespread threat 53
91-to the safety and welfare of the people of this state because of 54
92-unprovoked attacks which cause injury to persons and domestic 55
93-animals; that such attacks are in part attributable to the 56
94-failure of owners to confine and properly train and control 57
95-their dogs; that existing laws inade quately address this growing 58
96-problem; and that it is appropriate and necessary to impose 59
97-uniform requirements for dog the owners of dangerous dogs. 60
98- Section 4. Section 767.11, Florida Statutes, is reordered 61
99-and amended to read: 62
100- 767.11 Definitions. —As used in this part act, unless the 63
101-context clearly requires otherwise: 64
102- (1)(5) "Animal control authority" means an entity acting 65
103-alone or in concert with other local governmental units and 66
104-authorized by them to enforce the animal control laws of the 67
105-city, county, or state. In those areas not served by an animal 68
106-control authority, the sheriff shall carry out the duties of the 69
107-animal control authority under this part act. 70
108- (2)(6) "Animal control officer" means any individual 71
109-employed, contracted with, or app ointed by the animal control 72
110-authority for the purpose of aiding in the enforcement of this 73
111-part act or any other law or ordinance relating to the licensure 74
112-of animals, control of animals, or seizure and impoundment of 75
88+propensities, the owner must securely confine the dog in a 51
89+proper enclosure as defined in s. 767.11. 52
90+ Section 3. Section 767.10, Florida St atutes, is amended to 53
91+read: 54
92+ 767.10 Legislative findings. —The Legislature finds that 55
93+dangerous dogs are an increasingly serious and widespread threat 56
94+to the safety and welfare of the people of this state because of 57
95+unprovoked attacks which cause injury to persons and domestic 58
96+animals; that such attacks are in part attributable to the 59
97+failure of owners to confine and properly train and control 60
98+their dogs; that existing laws inadequately address this growing 61
99+problem; and that it is appropriate and necessary to impose 62
100+uniform requirements for dog the owners of dangerous dogs. 63
101+ Section 4. Section 767.11, Florida Statutes, is reordered 64
102+and amended to read: 65
103+ 767.11 Definitions. —As used in this part act, unless the 66
104+context clearly requires otherwise: 67
105+ (3)(1) "Dangerous dog" means a any dog that according to 68
106+the records of the appropriate authority: 69
107+ (a) Has aggressively bitten, attacked, or endangered or 70
108+has inflicted severe injury on a human being on public or 71
109+private property; 72
110+ (b) Has more than once sever ely injured or killed a 73
111+domestic animal while off the owner's property; or 74
112+ (c) Has, when unprovoked, chased or approached a person 75
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121121 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
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125-animals and includes any state or loc al law enforcement officer 76
126-or other employee whose duties in whole or in part include 77
127-assignments that involve the seizure and impoundment of an any 78
128-animal. 79
129- (3)(1) "Dangerous dog" means a any dog that according to 80
130-the records of the appropriate authority : 81
131- (a) Has aggressively bitten, attacked, or endangered or 82
132-has inflicted severe injury on a human being on public or 83
133-private property; 84
134- (b) Has more than once severely injured or killed a 85
135-domestic animal while off the owner's property; or 86
136- (c) Has, when unprovoked, chased or approached a person 87
137-upon the streets, sidewalks, or any public grounds in a menacing 88
138-fashion or apparent attitude of attack, provided that such 89
139-actions are attested to in a sworn statement by one or more 90
140-persons and dutifully investi gated by the appropriate authority. 91
141- (4)(7) "Owner" means a any person, a firm, a corporation, 92
142-or an organization possessing, harboring, keeping, or having 93
143-control or custody of an animal or, if the animal is owned by a 94
144-person under the age of 18 years of age or younger, that 95
145-person's parent or guardian. 96
146- (5)(4) "Proper enclosure of a dangerous dog" means, while 97
147-on the owner's property, a dangerous dog is securely confined : 98
148- (a) Indoors; 99
149- (b) In a locked, fenced yard, suitable to prevent the 100
125+upon the streets, sidewalks, or any public grounds in a menacing 76
126+fashion or apparent attitude of attack, provided that such 77
127+actions are attested to in a sworn statement by one or more 78
128+persons and dutifully investigated by the appropriate authority. 79
129+ (4) "Department" means the Department of Agriculture and 80
130+Consumer Services. 81
131+ (8)(2) "Unprovoked" means that the victim who has been 82
132+conducting himself or herself peacefully and lawfully has been 83
133+bitten or chased in a menacing fashion or attacked by a dog. 84
134+ (7)(3) "Severe injury" means any physical injury that 85
135+results in broken bones, multiple bites, or disfiguring 86
136+lacerations requiring sutures or reconstructive surgery. 87
137+ (6)(4) "Proper enclosure of a dangerous dog" means, while 88
138+on the owner's property, a dangerous dog is securely confined : 89
139+ (a) Indoors; 90
140+ (b) In a locked, fenced yard, suitable to prevent the 91
141+entry of young child ren and designed to prevent the dog from 92
142+escaping over, under, or through the fence; or 93
143+ (c) In a securely enclosed and locked pen or structure, 94
144+suitable to prevent the entry of young children and designed to 95
145+prevent the dog animal from escaping. The Such pen or structure 96
146+must shall have secure sides and a secure top to prevent the dog 97
147+from escaping over, under, or through the structure and must 98
148+shall also provide protection from the elements. 99
149+ (1)(5) "Animal control authority" means an entity acting 100
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158158 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
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162-entry of young children and designed to prevent the dog from 101
163-escaping over, under, or through the fence; or 102
164- (c) In a securely enclosed and locked pen or structure, 103
165-suitable to prevent the entry of young children and designed to 104
166-prevent the dog animal from escaping. The Such pen or structure 105
167-must shall have secure sides and a secure top to prevent the dog 106
168-from escaping over, under, or through the structure and must 107
169-shall also provide protection from the elements. 108
170- (6)(3) "Severe injury" means any physical injury tha t 109
171-results in broken bones, multiple bites, or disfiguring 110
172-lacerations requiring sutures or reconstructive surgery. 111
173- (7)(2) "Unprovoked" means that the victim who has been 112
174-conducting himself or herself peacefully and lawfully has been 113
175-bitten or chased in a menacing fashion or attacked by a dog. 114
176- Section 5. Section 767.12, Florida Statutes, is amended to 115
177-read: 116
178- 767.12 Classification of dogs as dangerous; owner 117
179-requirements; penalty certification of registration; notice and 118
180-hearing requirements; confineme nt of animal; exemption; appeals; 119
181-unlawful acts.— 120
182- (1) An animal control authority shall investigate reported 121
183-incidents involving any dog that may be dangerous and, if 122
184-possible, shall interview the owner and require a sworn 123
185-affidavit from any person, incl uding any animal control officer 124
186-or enforcement officer, desiring to have a dog classified as 125
162+alone or in concert with other local governmental units and 101
163+authorized by them to enforce the animal control laws of the 102
164+city, county, or state. In those areas not served by an animal 103
165+control authority, the sheriff shall carry out the duties of the 104
166+animal control authority under this part act. 105
167+ (2)(6) "Animal control officer" means any individual 106
168+employed, contracted with, or appointed by the animal control 107
169+authority for the purpose of aiding in the enforcement of this 108
170+part act or any other law or ordinance re lating to the licensure 109
171+of animals, control of animals, or seizure and impoundment of 110
172+animals and includes any state or local law enforcement officer 111
173+or other employee whose duties in whole or in part include 112
174+assignments that involve the seizure and impoun dment of an any 113
175+animal. 114
176+ (5)(7) "Owner" means a any person, a firm, a corporation, 115
177+or an organization possessing, harboring, keeping, or having 116
178+control or custody of an animal or, if the animal is owned by a 117
179+person under the age of 18 years of age or youn ger, that 118
180+person's parent or guardian. 119
181+ Section 5. Section 767.12, Florida Statutes, is amended to 120
182+read: 121
183+ 767.12 Classification of dogs as dangerous; owner 122
184+requirements; penalty certification of registration; notice and 123
185+hearing requirements; confinemen t of animal; exemption; appeals; 124
186+unlawful acts.— 125
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195195 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
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199-dangerous. 126
200- (a) An animal that is the subject of a dangerous dog 127
201-investigation for behavior described in s. 767.11(3)(a) or (c) 128
202-must because of severe injury to a human being may be 129
203-immediately confiscated by an animal control authority ;, placed 130
204-in quarantine, if necessary, for the proper length of time ;, or 131
205-impounded; and held. The animal must may be held pending the 132
206-outcome of the investigation and any hearings or appeals related 133
207-to the dangerous dog classification or any penalty imposed under 134
208-this section. If the dog is to be destroyed, the dog may not be 135
209-destroyed while an appeal is pending. The owner is responsible 136
210-for payment of all boarding costs and other f ees as may be 137
211-required to humanely and safely keep the animal pending any 138
212-hearing or appeal, unless it is determined that the dog is not 139
213-dangerous. 140
214- (b) An animal that is the subject of a dangerous dog 141
215-investigation for behavior described in s. 767.11(3)( b) may be 142
216-immediately confiscated by an animal control authority; placed 143
217-in quarantine, if necessary, for the proper length of time; or 144
218-impounded and held. An animal that which is not impounded with 145
219-the animal control authority must be humanely and safely 146
220-confined by the owner in a proper enclosure securely fenced or 147
221-enclosed area. The animal shall be confined in such manner 148
222-pending the outcome of the investigation and the resolution of 149
223-any hearings or appeals related to the dangerous dog 150
199+ (1) An animal control authority shall investigate reported 126
200+incidents involving any dog that may be dangerous and, if 127
201+possible, shall interview the owner and require a sworn 128
202+affidavit from any person, inclu ding any animal control officer 129
203+or enforcement officer, desiring to have a dog classified as 130
204+dangerous. 131
205+ (a) An animal that is the subject of a dangerous dog 132
206+investigation for behavior described in s. 767.11(3)(a) or (c) 133
207+must because of severe injury to a human being may be 134
208+immediately confiscated by an animal control authority ;, placed 135
209+in quarantine, if necessary, for the proper length of time ;, or 136
210+impounded; and held. The animal must may be held pending the 137
211+outcome of the investigation and any hearings o r appeals related 138
212+to the dangerous dog classification or any penalty imposed under 139
213+this section. If the dog is to be destroyed, the dog may not be 140
214+destroyed while an appeal is pending. The owner is responsible 141
215+for payment of all boarding costs and other fe es as may be 142
216+required to humanely and safely keep the animal pending any 143
217+hearing or appeal, unless it is determined that the dog is not 144
218+dangerous. 145
219+ (b) An animal that is the subject of a dangerous dog 146
220+investigation for behavior described in s. 767.11(3)(b ) may be 147
221+immediately confiscated by an animal control authority; placed 148
222+in quarantine, if necessary, for the proper length of time; or 149
223+impounded and held. An animal that which is not impounded with 150
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232232 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
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236-classification or any penalty imposed under this section. The 151
237-owner shall provide the address at which the animal resides 152
238-shall be provided to the animal control authority. A dog that is 153
239-the subject of a dangerous dog investigation may not be 154
240-relocated or have its ownership transferred pending the outcome 155
241-of the investigation and any hearings or appeals related to the 156
242-dangerous dog classification or any penalty imposed under this 157
243-section. If a dog is to be destroyed, the dog may not be 158
244-relocated or have its ownership transferred. 159
245- (2) A dog may not be declared dangerous if any of the 160
246-following apply: 161
247- (a) The threat, injury, or damage was sustained by a 162
248-person who, at the time, was unlawfully on the property or who, 163
249-while lawfully on the property, was tormenti ng, abusing, or 164
250-assaulting the dog or its owner or a family member. 165
251- (b) The dog was protecting or defending a human being 166
252-within the immediate vicinity of the dog from an unjustified 167
253-attack or assault. 168
254- (3) After the investigation, the animal control au thority 169
255-shall make an initial determination as to whether there is 170
256-sufficient cause to classify the dog as dangerous and, if 171
257-sufficient cause is found, as to the appropriate penalty under 172
258-subsection (5). The animal control authority shall afford the 173
259-owner an opportunity for a hearing before prior to making a 174
260-final determination regarding the classification or penalty. The 175
236+the animal control authority must be humanely and safely 151
237+confined by the owner in a proper enclosure securely fenced or 152
238+enclosed area. The animal shall be confined in such manner 153
239+pending the outcome of the investigation and the resolution of 154
240+any hearings or appeals related to the dangerous dog 155
241+classification or any penalty imposed under this section. The 156
242+owner shall provide the address at which the animal resides 157
243+shall be provided to the animal control authority. A dog that is 158
244+the subject of a dangerous dog investigation may not be 159
245+relocated or have its ownership transferred pending the outcome 160
246+of the investigation and any hearings or appeals related to the 161
247+dangerous dog classification or any penalty imposed under this 162
248+section. If a dog is to be destroyed, the dog may not be 163
249+relocated or have its ownership transferred. 164
250+ (2) A dog may not be declared dangerous if any of the 165
251+following apply: 166
252+ (a) The threat, injury, or damage was sustained by a 167
253+person who, at the time, was unlawfully on the property or who, 168
254+while lawfully on the property, was tormenti ng, abusing, or 169
255+assaulting the dog or its owner or a family member. 170
256+ (b) The dog was protecting or defending a human being 171
257+within the immediate vicinity of the dog from an unjustified 172
258+attack or assault. 173
259+ (3) After the investigation, the animal control au thority 174
260+shall make an initial determination as to whether there is 175
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269269 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
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273-animal control authority shall provide written notification of 176
274-the sufficient cause finding and proposed penalty to the owner 177
275-by registered mail or, certified hand delivery , or service in 178
276-conformance with the provisions of chapter 48 relating to 179
277-service of process. The owner may file a written request for a 180
278-hearing regarding the dangerous dog classification, penalty, or 181
279-both, within 7 calen dar days after receipt of the notification 182
280-of the sufficient cause finding and proposed penalty. If the 183
281-owner requests a hearing, the hearing must shall be held as soon 184
282-as possible, but not later than 21 calendar days and not sooner 185
283-than 5 days after recei pt of the request from the owner. If a 186
284-hearing is not timely requested regarding the dangerous dog 187
285-classification or proposed penalty, the determination of the 188
286-animal control authority as to such matter is shall become 189
287-final. Each applicable local governin g authority shall establish 190
288-hearing procedures that conform to this subsection. 191
289- (4) Upon a dangerous dog classification and penalty 192
290-becoming final after a hearing or by operation of law pursuant 193
291-to subsection (3), the animal control authority shall provi de a 194
292-written final order to the owner by registered mail or, 195
293-certified hand delivery or service. The owner may appeal the 196
294-classification or, penalty, or both, to the circuit court in 197
295-accordance with the Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure after 198
296-receipt of the final order. If the dog is not held by the animal 199
297-control authority, the owner must confine the dog in a proper 200
273+sufficient cause to classify the dog as dangerous and, if 176
274+sufficient cause is found, as to the appropriate penalty under 177
275+subsection (5). The animal control authority shall afford the 178
276+owner an opportunity for a hearing before prior to making a 179
277+final determination regarding the classification or penalty. The 180
278+animal control authority shall provide written notification of 181
279+the sufficient cause finding and proposed penalty to the owner 182
280+by registered mail or, certified hand delivery , or service in 183
281+conformance with the provisions of chapter 48 relating to 184
282+service of process. The owner may file a written request for a 185
283+hearing regarding the dangerous dog classification, penalty, or 186
284+both, within 7 calen dar days after receipt of the notification 187
285+of the sufficient cause finding and proposed penalty. If the 188
286+owner requests a hearing, the hearing must shall be held as soon 189
287+as possible, but not later than 21 calendar days and not sooner 190
288+than 5 days after recei pt of the request from the owner. If a 191
289+hearing is not timely requested regarding the dangerous dog 192
290+classification or proposed penalty, the determination of the 193
291+animal control authority as to such matter is shall become 194
292+final. Each applicable local governin g authority shall establish 195
293+hearing procedures that conform to this subsection. 196
294+ (4) Upon a dangerous dog classification and penalty 197
295+becoming final after a hearing or by operation of law pursuant 198
296+to subsection (3), the animal control authority shall do all of 199
297+the following: 200
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306306 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
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310-enclosure securely fenced or enclosed area pending resolution of 201
311-the appeal. Each applicable local governing authority must 202
312-establish appeal procedures that conform to this subsection. 203
313- (5)(a) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b), the 204
314-owner of a dog classified as a dangerous dog shall do all of the 205
315-following: 206
316- 1. Upon Within 14 days after issuance of the final order 207
317-classifying the dog as dangerous or the conclusion of any appeal 208
318-that affirms such final order, obtain a certificate of 209
319-registration for the dog from the animal control authority 210
320-serving the area in which he or she resides, and renew the 211
321-certificate annually. Animal cont rol authorities may are 212
322-authorized to issue such certificates of registration, and 213
323-renewals thereof, only to persons who are at least 18 years of 214
324-age and who present to the animal control authority sufficient 215
325-evidence of all of the following : 216
326- a. A current certificate of rabies vaccination for the 217
327-dog. 218
328- b. A proper enclosure to confine the a dangerous dog and 219
329-the posting of the premises with a clearly visible warning sign 220
330-at all entry points which informs both children and adults of 221
331-the presence of a dang erous dog on the property. 222
332- c. Permanent identification of the dog by, such as a 223
333-tattoo on the inside thigh or electronic implantation of a 224
334-microchip. Any person who knowingly and willfully removes a 225
310+ (a) Provide a written final order to the owner by 201
311+registered mail or, certified hand delivery or service. The 202
312+owner may appeal the classification or, penalty, or both, to the 203
313+circuit court in accordance with the Florida Rules of Appel late 204
314+Procedure after receipt of the final order. If the dog is not 205
315+held by the animal control authority, the owner must confine the 206
316+dog in a proper enclosure securely fenced or enclosed area 207
317+pending resolution of the appeal. Each applicable local 208
318+governing authority must establish appeal procedures that 209
319+conform to this paragraph subsection. 210
320+ (b) Provide the information required by s. 767.125(2) to 211
321+the department for the dangerous dog's inclusion in the 212
322+statewide Dangerous Dog Registry. 213
323+ (c) If the dog is classified as a dangerous dog due to an 214
324+incident that caused severe injury to a human being, destroy the 215
325+dog in an expeditious and humane manner. 216
326+ (5)(a) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (4)(c) 217
327+(b), the owner of a dog classified as a dangerous do g shall do 218
328+all of the following : 219
329+ (a)1. Upon Within 14 days after issuance of the final 220
330+order classifying the dog as dangerous or the conclusion of any 221
331+appeal that affirms such final order, obtain a certificate of 222
332+registration for the dog from the animal control authority 223
333+serving the area in which he or she resides, and renew the 224
334+certificate annually. Animal control authorities may are 225
335335
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336+HB 593 2025
337337
338338
339339
340340 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
341-hb593-01-c1
342-Page 10 of 15
341+hb593-00
342+Page 10 of 16
343343 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
344344
345345
346346
347-microchip implanted pursuant to this sub -subparagraph commits a 226
348-felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 227
349-775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084 . 228
350- d. The dog having been spayed or neutered. 229
351- e. Liability insurance as required by subparagraph 2. 230
352- 231
353-The appropriate governmental unit may impose an annual fee for 232
354-the issuance of certificates of registration required by this 233
355-section. 234
356- 2. Upon issuance of the final order classifying the dog as 235
357-dangerous or the conclusion of any appeal that affirms such 236
358-final order, obtain liability insurance coverage in an amount of 237
359-at least $100,000 to cover damages resulting from an attack by 238
360-the dangerous dog causing bodily injury to a person and provide 239
361-proof of the required liability insurance coverage to the animal 240
362-control authority for the area in which the dog is kept. 241
363- 3.2. Immediately notify the appropriate animal control 242
364-authority when the dog: 243
365- a. Is loose or unconfined ;. 244
366- b. Has bitten a human being or attacked another animal ;. 245
367- c. Is sold, given away, or dies ; or. 246
368- d. Is moved to another address. 247
369- 4.a. Before selling or giving away the a dangerous dog is 248
370-sold or given away, the owner shall provide the name, address, 249
371-and telephone number of the new owner to the animal control 250
347+authorized to issue such certificates of registration, and 226
348+renewals thereof, only to persons who are at least 18 years of 227
349+age and who present to the animal control authority sufficient 228
350+evidence of all of the following : 229
351+ 1.a. A current certificate of rabies vaccination for the 230
352+dog. 231
353+ 2.b. A proper enclosure to confine the a dangerous dog and 232
354+the posting of the premises with a clearly visible warning sign 233
355+at all entry points which informs both children and adults of 234
356+the presence of a dangerous dog on the property. 235
357+ 3.c. Permanent identification of the dog, such as a tattoo 236
358+on the inside thigh of the dog or electronic implantation of a 237
359+microchip. 238
360+ 4. The dog having been spayed or neutered. 239
361+ 5. Liability insurance as required by paragraph (b). 240
362+ 241
363+The appropriate governmental unit may impose an annual fee for 242
364+the issuance of certificates of registration required by this 243
365+section. 244
366+ (b) Upon issuance of the final order classifying the dog 245
367+as dangerous or the conclusion of any appeal that affirms such 246
368+final order, obtain liability insurance coverage in an amount of 247
369+at least $100,000 to cover damages resulting from an attack by 248
370+the dangerous dog causing bodily injury to a person and provide 249
371+proof of the required liability insurance coverage to the animal 250
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375375
376376
377377 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
378-hb593-01-c1
379-Page 11 of 15
378+hb593-00
379+Page 11 of 16
380380 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
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384-authority. The new owner must comply with all of the 251
385-requirements of this section and any implementing local 252
386-ordinances, even if the animal is moved from one local 253
387-jurisdiction to another within this the state, and. The animal 254
388-control officer must notify the animal control authority be 255
389-notified by the owner of a dog classified as dangerous that the 256
390-dog is in the authority's his or her jurisdiction. 257
391- b. If the dangerous dog is surrendered to a public or 258
392-private animal shelter, a humane organization, or an animal 259
393-control agency operated by a humane organization or by a county, 260
394-municipality, or other incorporated political subdivision, the 261
395-entity must post signage on the dog's enclosure to inform 262
396-potential adopters that the dog has been declared dangerous and 263
397-inform any adopter of the dog owner's requirements under this 264
398-section. 265
399- 5.3. Not allow permit the dog to be outside a proper 266
400-enclosure unless the dog is muzzled and restrained by a 267
401-substantial chain or leash and under control of a competent 268
402-person. The muzzle must be made in a manner that will not cause 269
403-injury to the dog or inte rfere with its vision or respiration 270
404-but will prevent it from biting a person or an animal. The owner 271
405-may exercise the dog on the owner's property in a proper 272
406-enclosure securely fenced or enclosed area that does not have a 273
407-top, without a muzzle or leash , if the dog remains within the 274
408-owner's his or her sight and only members of the immediate 275
384+control authority for the area in which the dog is kept. 251
385+ (c)2. Immediately notify the appropriate animal control 252
386+authority when the dog: 253
387+ 1.a. Is loose or unconfined ;. 254
388+ 2.b. Has bitten a human being or attacked another animal ;. 255
389+ 3.c. Is sold, given away, or dies ; or. 256
390+ 4.d. Is moved to another address. 257
391+ (d) Before selling or giving away the a dangerous dog is 258
392+sold or given away, the owner shall provide the name, address, 259
393+and telephone number of the new owner to the animal control 260
394+authority. The new owner must comply with all of the 261
395+requirements of this section and any implementing local 262
396+ordinances, even if the animal is moved from o ne local 263
397+jurisdiction to another within this the state, and. The animal 264
398+control officer must notify the animal control authority be 265
399+notified by the owner of a dog classified as dangerous that the 266
400+dog is in the authority's his or her jurisdiction. 267
401+ (e)3. Not allow permit the dog to be outside a proper 268
402+enclosure unless the dog is muzzled and restrained by a 269
403+substantial chain or leash and under control of a competent 270
404+person. The muzzle must be made in a manner that will not cause 271
405+injury to the dog or interfer e with its vision or respiration 272
406+but will prevent it from biting a person or an animal. The owner 273
407+may exercise the dog on the owner's property in a proper 274
408+enclosure securely fenced or enclosed area that does not have a 275
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410+HB 593 2025
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417417 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
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421-household or persons 18 years of age or older , if applicable, 276
422-are allowed in the enclosure when the dog is present. When being 277
423-transported, such dogs must be safely and securely restrained 278
424-within a vehicle. 279
425- (b) If a dog is classified as a dangerous dog due to an 280
426-incident that causes severe injury to a human being, based upon 281
427-the nature and circumstances of the injury and the likelihood of 282
428-a future threat to the public safety, health, and welfare, the 283
429-dog may be destroyed in an expeditious and humane manner. 284
430- (6) Hunting dogs are exempt from this section when engaged 285
431-in any legal hunt or training procedure. Dogs engaged in 286
432-training or exhibiting in legal sports such as obedience trials, 287
433-conformation shows, field trials, hunting/retrieving trials, and 288
434-herding trials are exempt from this section when engaged in any 289
435-legal procedures. However, such dogs at all other times in all 290
436-other respects are subject to this and local l aws. Dogs that 291
437-have been classified as dangerous may not be used for hunting 292
438-purposes. 293
439- (7) A person who violates any provision of this section 294
440-commits a noncriminal infraction, punishable by a fine not to 295
441-exceed $1,000 per violation $500. 296
442- Section 6. Subsections (1) and (2) of section 767.13, 297
443-Florida Statutes, are amended to read: 298
444- 767.13 Attack or bite by dangerous dog; penalties; 299
445-confiscation; destruction. — 300
421+top, without a muzzle or leash , if the dog remains within the 276
422+owner's his or her sight and only members of the immediate 277
423+household or persons 18 years of age or older , if applicable, 278
424+are allowed in the enclosure when the dog is present. When being 279
425+transported, such dogs must be safely and sec urely restrained 280
426+within a vehicle. 281
427+ (b) If a dog is classified as a dangerous dog due to an 282
428+incident that causes severe injury to a human being, based upon 283
429+the nature and circumstances of the injury and the likelihood of 284
430+a future threat to the public safe ty, health, and welfare, the 285
431+dog may be destroyed in an expeditious and humane manner . 286
432+ (6) Hunting dogs are exempt from this section when engaged 287
433+in any legal hunt or training procedure. Dogs engaged in 288
434+training or exhibiting in legal sports such as obed ience trials, 289
435+conformation shows, field trials, hunting/retrieving trials, and 290
436+herding trials are exempt from this section when engaged in any 291
437+legal procedures. However, such dogs at all other times in all 292
438+other respects are subject to this and local laws. Dogs that 293
439+have been classified as dangerous may not be used for hunting 294
440+purposes. 295
441+ (7) A person who violates any provision of this section 296
442+commits a noncriminal infraction, punishable by a fine not to 297
443+exceed $1,000 per violation $500. 298
444+ Section 6. Section 767.125, Florida Statutes, is created 299
445+to read: 300
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447+HB 593 2025
448448
449449
450450
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452-hb593-01-c1
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454454 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
455455
456456
457457
458- (1) If a dog that has previously been declared dangerous 301
459-attacks or bites a person or a dom estic animal without 302
460-provocation, the owner commits is guilty of a misdemeanor of the 303
461-first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 304
462-775.083. In addition, The dangerous dog must shall be 305
463-immediately confiscated by an animal control authority ;, placed 306
464-in quarantine, if necessary, for the proper length of time ;, or 307
465-impounded; and held for 10 business days after the owner is 308
466-given written notification under s. 767.12, and thereafter 309
467-destroyed in an expeditious and humane manner. This 10-day time 310
468-period shall allow The owner may to request a hearing under s. 311
469-767.12 during the 10 business days after such notification . The 312
470-owner is shall be responsible for payment of all boarding costs 313
471-and other fees as may be required to humanely and safely keep 314
472-the animal during any appeal procedure. 315
473- (2) If a dog that has previously been declared dangerous 316
474-attacks and causes severe injury to or death of any human, the 317
475-owner commits is guilty of a felony of the third degree, 318
476-punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775 .083, or s. 775.084. 319
477-In addition, The dog must shall be immediately confiscated by an 320
478-animal control authority ;, placed in quarantine, if necessary, 321
479-for the proper length of time ; impounded; and or held for 10 322
480-business days after the owner is given written notification 323
481-under s. 767.12, and thereafter destroyed in an expeditious and 324
482-humane manner. This 10-day time period shall allow The owner may 325
458+ 767.125 Statewide Dangerous Dog Registry. — 301
459+ (1) The department shall create and maintain a statewide 302
460+Dangerous Dog Registry that provides the public with a 303
461+searchable online statewide database of do gs that have been 304
462+declared dangerous by local animal control authorities. 305
463+ (2) Each animal control authority shall, at a minimum, 306
464+report all of the following information regarding a dangerous 307
465+dog within its jurisdiction to the department for inclusion in 308
466+the registry: 309
467+ (a) A current certificate of rabies vaccination for the 310
468+dog. 311
469+ (b) Evidence of a proper enclosure within which the 312
470+dangerous dog will be confined and of the posting on the 313
471+premises of a clearly visible warning sign at all entry points 314
472+which informs both children and adults of the presence of a 315
473+dangerous dog on the property. 316
474+ (c) Evidence of permanent identification, such as a tattoo 317
475+on the inside thigh of the dog or implantation of a microchip. 318
476+ (d) Evidence of the dog having been spayed o r neutered. 319
477+ (e) Evidence that the owner has obtained the required 320
478+liability insurance. 321
479+ (f) The dog's name and a photograph of the dog. 322
480+ (g) The county in which the dog is located. 323
481+ (h) The owner's name and address. 324
482+ (3) The department shall adopt ru les to administer this 325
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484+HB 593 2025
485485
486486
487487
488488 CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
489-hb593-01-c1
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490+Page 14 of 16
491491 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
492492
493493
494494
495-to request a hearing under s. 767.12 during the 10 business days 326
496-after such notification . The owner is shall be responsible for 327
497-payment of all boarding costs and other fees as may be required 328
498-to humanely and safely keep the animal during any appeal 329
499-procedure. 330
500- Section 7. Section 767.135, Florida Statutes, is amended 331
501-to read: 332
502- 767.135 Attack or bite by unclassified dog that causes 333
503-death; confiscation; destruction. —If a dog that has not been 334
504-declared dangerous attacks and causes the death of a human, the 335
505-dog must shall be immediately confiscated by an animal control 336
506-authority;, placed in quarantine, if necessary, for the proper 337
507-length of time; impounded; and or held for 10 business days 338
508-after the owner is given written notification under s. 767.12, 339
509-and thereafter destroyed in an expeditious and humane manner. 340
510-This 10-day time period shall allow The owner may to request a 341
511-hearing under s. 767.12 during the 10 business days after such 342
512-notification. If the owner files a written appeal under s. 343
513-767.12 or this section, the dog must be held and may not be 344
514-destroyed while the appeal is pending. The owner is responsible 345
515-for payment of all boarding costs and other fees as may be 346
516-required to humanely and safely keep the animal during any 347
517-appeal procedure. 348
518- Section 8. Subsection (1) of section 767.136, Florida 349
519-Statutes, is amended to read: 350
495+section. 326
496+ Section 7. Subsections (1) and (2) of section 767.13, 327
497+Florida Statutes, are amended to read: 328
498+ 767.13 Attack or bite by dangerous dog; penalties; 329
499+confiscation; destruction. — 330
500+ (1) If a dog that has previously been declared dangerous 331
501+attacks or bites a person or a domestic animal without 332
502+provocation, the owner commits is guilty of a misdemeanor of the 333
503+first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 334
504+775.083. In addition, The dangerous dog must shall be 335
505+immediately confiscated by an animal control authority ;, placed 336
506+in quarantine, if necessary, for the proper length of time ;, or 337
507+impounded; and held for 10 business days after the owner is 338
508+given written notification under s. 767.12, and thereafter 339
509+destroyed in an expeditious and humane manner. This 10-day time 340
510+period shall allow The owner may to request a hearing under s. 341
511+767.12 during the 10 business days after such notification . The 342
512+owner is shall be responsible for payment of all boarding costs 343
513+and other fees as may be required to humanely and safely keep 344
514+the animal during any appeal procedure. 345
515+ (2) If a dog that has previously been declared dangerous 346
516+attacks and causes severe injury to or death of any human, the 347
517+owner commits is guilty of a felony of the third degree, 348
518+punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. 349
519+In addition, The dog must shall be immediately confiscated by an 350
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528528 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
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531531
532- 767.136 Attack or bite by unclassified dog that causes 351
533-severe injury or death; penalties. — 352
534- (1) If a dog that has not been declared dangerous attacks 353
535-and causes severe injury to, or the death of, a human, and the 354
536-owner of the dog had knowledge of the dog's dangerous 355
537-propensities, yet failed to secure the dog in a proper enclosure 356
538-pursuant to s. 767.01(2) demonstrated a reckless disregard for 357
539-such propensities under the circumstances , the owner of the dog 358
540-commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as 359
541-provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. 360
542- Section 9. This act shall take effect July 1, 2025. 361
532+animal control authority ;, placed in quarantine, if necessary, 351
533+for the proper length of time; impounded; and or held for 10 352
534+business days after the owner is given written notification 353
535+under s. 767.12, and thereafter destroyed in an expeditious and 354
536+humane manner. This 10-day time period shall allow The owner may 355
537+to request a hearing under s. 767.12 during the 10 business days 356
538+after such notification . The owner is shall be responsible for 357
539+payment of all boarding costs and other fees as may be required 358
540+to humanely and safely keep the animal during any appeal 359
541+procedure. 360
542+ Section 8. Section 767.135, Florida Statutes, is amended 361
543+to read: 362
544+ 767.135 Attack or bite by unclassified dog that causes 363
545+death; confiscation; destruction. —If a dog that has not been 364
546+declared dangerous attacks and causes the death of a human, the 365
547+dog must shall be immediately confiscated by an animal control 366
548+authority;, placed in quarantine, if necessary, for the proper 367
549+length of time; impounded; and or held for 10 business days 368
550+after the owner is given written notification under s. 767.12, 369
551+and thereafter destroyed i n an expeditious and humane manner. 370
552+This 10-day time period shall allow The owner may to request a 371
553+hearing under s. 767.12 during the 10 business days after such 372
554+notification. If the owner files a written appeal under s. 373
555+767.12 or this section, the dog mus t be held and may not be 374
556+destroyed while the appeal is pending. The owner is responsible 375
557+
558+HB 593 2025
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560+
561+
562+CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.
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565+F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S
566+
567+
568+
569+for payment of all boarding costs and other fees as may be 376
570+required to humanely and safely keep the animal during any 377
571+appeal procedure. 378
572+ Section 9. Subsection (1) o f section 767.136, Florida 379
573+Statutes, is amended to read: 380
574+ 767.136 Attack or bite by unclassified dog that causes 381
575+severe injury or death; penalties. — 382
576+ (1) If a dog that has not been declared dangerous attacks 383
577+and causes severe injury to, or the death of, a human, and the 384
578+owner of the dog had knowledge of the dog's dangerous 385
579+propensities, yet failed to secure the dog in a proper enclosure 386
580+pursuant to s. 767.01(2) demonstrated a reckless disregard for 387
581+such propensities under the circumstances , the owner of the dog 388
582+commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as 389
583+provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. 390
584+ Section 10. This act shall take effect July 1, 2025. 391