Florida Senate - 2025 SB 572 By Senator Collins 14-00115-25 2025572__ 1 A bill to be entitled 2 An act relating to dangerous dogs; providing a short 3 title; amending s. 767.01, F.S.; requiring certain dog 4 owners to securely confine their dogs in a proper 5 enclosure; amending s. 767.10, F.S.; revising 6 legislative findings relating to dangerous dogs; 7 reordering and amending s. 767.11, F.S.; defining the 8 term department; revising definitions; amending s. 9 767.12, F.S.; requiring, rather than authorizing, that 10 dogs subject to certain dangerous dog investigations 11 be confiscated, impounded, and held; requiring, rather 12 than authorizing, that such dogs be held until the 13 completion of certain actions; revising the 14 circumstances under which an owner is responsible for 15 paying certain costs and fees; requiring that certain 16 dogs not impounded be confined in a proper enclosure 17 by the owner; requiring animal control authorities to 18 provide certain information to the Department of 19 Agriculture and Consumer Services and to destroy 20 certain dogs; revising the information that the owner 21 of a dog classified as a dangerous dog is required to 22 provide to an animal control authority; requiring such 23 owner to obtain dangerous dog liability insurance 24 coverage; providing requirements for such insurance; 25 revising the civil penalty for violations; creating s. 26 767.125, F.S.; requiring the department to create and 27 maintain a statewide Dangerous Dog Registry; providing 28 the purpose of the registry; requiring animal control 29 authorities to provide the department with certain 30 information; requiring the department to adopt rules; 31 amending ss. 767.13 and 767.135, F.S.; making 32 technical changes; conforming provisions to changes 33 made by the act; amending s. 767.136, F.S.; revising 34 the circumstances under which the owner of a dog that 35 has not been declared dangerous is liable for such 36 dogs severe injury to, or the death of, a human; 37 providing an effective date. 38 39 Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida: 40 41 Section 1.This act may be cited as the Pam Rock Act. 42 Section 2.Section 767.01, Florida Statutes, is amended to 43 read: 44 767.01Dog owners liability for damages to persons, 45 domestic animals, or livestock. 46 (1)A dog owner is Owners of dogs shall be liable for any 47 damage done by the owners dog their dogs to a person or to any 48 animal included in the definitions of domestic animal and 49 livestock as provided by s. 585.01. 50 (2)If a dog owner has knowledge of the dogs dangerous 51 propensities, the owner must securely confine the dog in a 52 proper enclosure as defined in s. 767.11. 53 Section 3.Section 767.10, Florida Statutes, is amended to 54 read: 55 767.10Legislative findings.The Legislature finds that 56 dangerous dogs are an increasingly serious and widespread threat 57 to the safety and welfare of the people of this state because of 58 unprovoked attacks which cause injury to persons and domestic 59 animals; that such attacks are in part attributable to the 60 failure of owners to confine and properly train and control 61 their dogs; that existing laws inadequately address this growing 62 problem; and that it is appropriate and necessary to impose 63 uniform requirements for dog the owners of dangerous dogs. 64 Section 4.Section 767.11, Florida Statutes, is reordered 65 and amended to read: 66 767.11Definitions.As used in this part act, unless the 67 context clearly requires otherwise: 68 (3)(1)Dangerous dog means a any dog that according to 69 the records of the appropriate authority: 70 (a)Has aggressively bitten, attacked, or endangered or has 71 inflicted severe injury on a human being on public or private 72 property; 73 (b)Has more than once severely injured or killed a 74 domestic animal while off the owners property; or 75 (c)Has, when unprovoked, chased or approached a person 76 upon the streets, sidewalks, or any public grounds in a menacing 77 fashion or apparent attitude of attack, provided that such 78 actions are attested to in a sworn statement by one or more 79 persons and dutifully investigated by the appropriate authority. 80 (4)Department means the Department of Agriculture and 81 Consumer Services. 82 (8)(2)Unprovoked means that the victim who has been 83 conducting himself or herself peacefully and lawfully has been 84 bitten or chased in a menacing fashion or attacked by a dog. 85 (7)(3)Severe injury means any physical injury that 86 results in broken bones, multiple bites, or disfiguring 87 lacerations requiring sutures or reconstructive surgery. 88 (6)(4)Proper enclosure of a dangerous dog means, while 89 on the owners property, a dangerous dog is securely confined: 90 (a)Indoors; 91 (b)In a locked, fenced yard, suitable to prevent the entry 92 of young children and designed to prevent the dog from escaping 93 over, under, or through the fence; or 94 (c)In a securely enclosed and locked pen or structure, 95 suitable to prevent the entry of young children and designed to 96 prevent the dog animal from escaping. The Such pen or structure 97 must shall have secure sides and a secure top to prevent the dog 98 from escaping over, under, or through the structure and must 99 shall also provide protection from the elements. 100 (1)(5)Animal control authority means an entity acting 101 alone or in concert with other local governmental units and 102 authorized by them to enforce the animal control laws of the 103 city, county, or state. In those areas not served by an animal 104 control authority, the sheriff shall carry out the duties of the 105 animal control authority under this part act. 106 (2)(6)Animal control officer means any individual 107 employed, contracted with, or appointed by the animal control 108 authority for the purpose of aiding in the enforcement of this 109 part act or any other law or ordinance relating to the licensure 110 of animals, control of animals, or seizure and impoundment of 111 animals and includes any state or local law enforcement officer 112 or other employee whose duties in whole or in part include 113 assignments that involve the seizure and impoundment of an any 114 animal. 115 (5)(7)Owner means a any person, a firm, a corporation, 116 or an organization possessing, harboring, keeping, or having 117 control or custody of an animal or, if the animal is owned by a 118 person under the age of 18 years of age or younger, that 119 persons parent or guardian. 120 Section 5.Section 767.12, Florida Statutes, is amended to 121 read: 122 767.12Classification of dogs as dangerous; owner 123 requirements; penalty certification of registration; notice and 124 hearing requirements; confinement of animal; exemption; appeals; 125 unlawful acts. 126 (1)An animal control authority shall investigate reported 127 incidents involving any dog that may be dangerous and, if 128 possible, shall interview the owner and require a sworn 129 affidavit from any person, including any animal control officer 130 or enforcement officer, desiring to have a dog classified as 131 dangerous. 132 (a)An animal that is the subject of a dangerous dog 133 investigation for behavior described in s. 767.11(3)(a) or (c) 134 must because of severe injury to a human being may be 135 immediately confiscated by an animal control authority;, placed 136 in quarantine, if necessary, for the proper length of time;, or 137 impounded; and held. The animal must may be held pending the 138 outcome of the investigation and any hearings or appeals related 139 to the dangerous dog classification or any penalty imposed under 140 this section. If the dog is to be destroyed, the dog may not be 141 destroyed while an appeal is pending. The owner is responsible 142 for payment of all boarding costs and other fees as may be 143 required to humanely and safely keep the animal pending any 144 hearing or appeal, unless it is determined that the dog is not 145 dangerous. 146 (b)An animal that is the subject of a dangerous dog 147 investigation for behavior described in s. 767.11(3)(b) may be 148 immediately confiscated by an animal control authority; placed 149 in quarantine, if necessary, for the proper length of time; or 150 impounded and held. An animal that which is not impounded with 151 the animal control authority must be humanely and safely 152 confined by the owner in a proper enclosure securely fenced or 153 enclosed area. The animal shall be confined in such manner 154 pending the outcome of the investigation and the resolution of 155 any hearings or appeals related to the dangerous dog 156 classification or any penalty imposed under this section. The 157 owner shall provide the address at which the animal resides 158 shall be provided to the animal control authority. A dog that is 159 the subject of a dangerous dog investigation may not be 160 relocated or have its ownership transferred pending the outcome 161 of the investigation and any hearings or appeals related to the 162 dangerous dog classification or any penalty imposed under this 163 section. If a dog is to be destroyed, the dog may not be 164 relocated or have its ownership transferred. 165 (2)A dog may not be declared dangerous if any of the 166 following apply: 167 (a)The threat, injury, or damage was sustained by a person 168 who, at the time, was unlawfully on the property or who, while 169 lawfully on the property, was tormenting, abusing, or assaulting 170 the dog or its owner or a family member. 171 (b)The dog was protecting or defending a human being 172 within the immediate vicinity of the dog from an unjustified 173 attack or assault. 174 (3)After the investigation, the animal control authority 175 shall make an initial determination as to whether there is 176 sufficient cause to classify the dog as dangerous and, if 177 sufficient cause is found, as to the appropriate penalty under 178 subsection (5). The animal control authority shall afford the 179 owner an opportunity for a hearing before prior to making a 180 final determination regarding the classification or penalty. The 181 animal control authority shall provide written notification of 182 the sufficient cause finding and proposed penalty to the owner 183 by registered mail or, certified hand delivery, or service in 184 conformance with the provisions of chapter 48 relating to 185 service of process. The owner may file a written request for a 186 hearing regarding the dangerous dog classification, penalty, or 187 both, within 7 calendar days after receipt of the notification 188 of the sufficient cause finding and proposed penalty. If the 189 owner requests a hearing, the hearing must shall be held as soon 190 as possible, but not later than 21 calendar days and not sooner 191 than 5 days after receipt of the request from the owner. If a 192 hearing is not timely requested regarding the dangerous dog 193 classification or proposed penalty, the determination of the 194 animal control authority as to such matter is shall become 195 final. Each applicable local governing authority shall establish 196 hearing procedures that conform to this subsection. 197 (4)Upon a dangerous dog classification and penalty 198 becoming final after a hearing or by operation of law pursuant 199 to subsection (3), the animal control authority shall do all of 200 the following: 201 (a)Provide a written final order to the owner by 202 registered mail or, certified hand delivery or service. The 203 owner may appeal the classification or, penalty, or both, to the 204 circuit court in accordance with the Florida Rules of Appellate 205 Procedure after receipt of the final order. If the dog is not 206 held by the animal control authority, the owner must confine the 207 dog in a proper enclosure securely fenced or enclosed area 208 pending resolution of the appeal. Each applicable local 209 governing authority must establish appeal procedures that 210 conform to this paragraph subsection. 211 (b)Provide the information required by s. 767.125(2) to 212 the department for the dangerous dogs inclusion in the 213 statewide Dangerous Dog Registry. 214 (c)If the dog is classified as a dangerous dog due to an 215 incident that caused severe injury to a human being, destroy the 216 dog in an expeditious and humane manner. 217 (5)(a)Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (4)(c) 218 (b), the owner of a dog classified as a dangerous dog shall do 219 all of the following: 220 (a)1.Upon Within 14 days after issuance of the final order 221 classifying the dog as dangerous or the conclusion of any appeal 222 that affirms such final order, obtain a certificate of 223 registration for the dog from the animal control authority 224 serving the area in which he or she resides, and renew the 225 certificate annually. Animal control authorities may are 226 authorized to issue such certificates of registration, and 227 renewals thereof, only to persons who are at least 18 years of 228 age and who present to the animal control authority sufficient 229 evidence of all of the following: 230 1.a.A current certificate of rabies vaccination for the 231 dog. 232 2.b.A proper enclosure to confine the a dangerous dog and 233 the posting of the premises with a clearly visible warning sign 234 at all entry points which informs both children and adults of 235 the presence of a dangerous dog on the property. 236 3.c.Permanent identification of the dog, such as a tattoo 237 on the inside thigh of the dog or electronic implantation of a 238 microchip. 239 4.The dog having been spayed or neutered. 240 5.Liability insurance as required by paragraph (b). 241 242 The appropriate governmental unit may impose an annual fee for 243 the issuance of certificates of registration required by this 244 section. 245 (b)Upon issuance of the final order classifying the dog as 246 dangerous or the conclusion of any appeal that affirms such 247 final order, obtain liability insurance coverage in an amount of 248 at least $100,000 to cover damages resulting from an attack by 249 the dangerous dog causing bodily injury to a person and provide 250 proof of the required liability insurance coverage to the animal 251 control authority for the area in which the dog is kept. 252 (c)2.Immediately notify the appropriate animal control 253 authority when the dog: 254 1.a.Is loose or unconfined;. 255 2.b.Has bitten a human being or attacked another animal;. 256 3.c.Is sold, given away, or dies; or. 257 4.d.Is moved to another address. 258 (d)Before selling or giving away the a dangerous dog is 259 sold or given away, the owner shall provide the name, address, 260 and telephone number of the new owner to the animal control 261 authority. The new owner must comply with all of the 262 requirements of this section and any implementing local 263 ordinances, even if the animal is moved from one local 264 jurisdiction to another within this the state, and. The animal 265 control officer must notify the animal control authority be 266 notified by the owner of a dog classified as dangerous that the 267 dog is in the authoritys his or her jurisdiction. 268 (e)3.Not allow permit the dog to be outside a proper 269 enclosure unless the dog is muzzled and restrained by a 270 substantial chain or leash and under control of a competent 271 person. The muzzle must be made in a manner that will not cause 272 injury to the dog or interfere with its vision or respiration 273 but will prevent it from biting a person or an animal. The owner 274 may exercise the dog on the owners property in a proper 275 enclosure securely fenced or enclosed area that does not have a 276 top, without a muzzle or leash, if the dog remains within the 277 owners his or her sight and only members of the immediate 278 household or persons 18 years of age or older, if applicable, 279 are allowed in the enclosure when the dog is present. When being 280 transported, such dogs must be safely and securely restrained 281 within a vehicle. 282 (b)If a dog is classified as a dangerous dog due to an 283 incident that causes severe injury to a human being, based upon 284 the nature and circumstances of the injury and the likelihood of 285 a future threat to the public safety, health, and welfare, the 286 dog may be destroyed in an expeditious and humane manner. 287 (6)Hunting dogs are exempt from this section when engaged 288 in any legal hunt or training procedure. Dogs engaged in 289 training or exhibiting in legal sports such as obedience trials, 290 conformation shows, field trials, hunting/retrieving trials, and 291 herding trials are exempt from this section when engaged in any 292 legal procedures. However, such dogs at all other times in all 293 other respects are subject to this and local laws. Dogs that 294 have been classified as dangerous may not be used for hunting 295 purposes. 296 (7)A person who violates any provision of this section 297 commits a noncriminal infraction, punishable by a fine not to 298 exceed $1,000 per violation $500. 299 Section 6.Section 767.125, Florida Statutes, is created to 300 read: 301 767.125Statewide Dangerous Dog Registry. 302 (1)The department shall create and maintain a statewide 303 Dangerous Dog Registry that provides the public with a 304 searchable online statewide database of dogs that have been 305 declared dangerous by local animal control authorities. 306 (2)Each animal control authority shall, at a minimum, 307 report all of the following information regarding a dangerous 308 dog within its jurisdiction to the department for inclusion in 309 the registry: 310 (a)A current certificate of rabies vaccination for the 311 dog. 312 (b)Evidence of a proper enclosure within which the 313 dangerous dog will be confined and of the posting on the 314 premises of a clearly visible warning sign at all entry points 315 which informs both children and adults of the presence of a 316 dangerous dog on the property. 317 (c)Evidence of permanent identification, such as a tattoo 318 on the inside thigh of the dog or implantation of a microchip. 319 (d)Evidence of the dog having been spayed or neutered. 320 (e)Evidence that the owner has obtained the required 321 liability insurance. 322 (f)The dogs name and a photograph of the dog. 323 (g)The county in which the dog is located. 324 (h)The owners name and address. 325 (3)The department shall adopt rules to administer this 326 section. 327 Section 7.Subsections (1) and (2) of section 767.13, 328 Florida Statutes, are amended to read: 329 767.13Attack or bite by dangerous dog; penalties; 330 confiscation; destruction. 331 (1)If a dog that has previously been declared dangerous 332 attacks or bites a person or a domestic animal without 333 provocation, the owner commits is guilty of a misdemeanor of the 334 first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 335 775.083. In addition, The dangerous dog must shall be 336 immediately confiscated by an animal control authority;, placed 337 in quarantine, if necessary, for the proper length of time;, or 338 impounded; and held for 10 business days after the owner is 339 given written notification under s. 767.12, and thereafter 340 destroyed in an expeditious and humane manner. This 10-day time 341 period shall allow The owner may to request a hearing under s. 342 767.12 during the 10 business days after such notification. The 343 owner is shall be responsible for payment of all boarding costs 344 and other fees as may be required to humanely and safely keep 345 the animal during any appeal procedure. 346 (2)If a dog that has previously been declared dangerous 347 attacks and causes severe injury to or death of any human, the 348 owner commits is guilty of a felony of the third degree, 349 punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. 350 In addition, The dog must shall be immediately confiscated by an 351 animal control authority;, placed in quarantine, if necessary, 352 for the proper length of time; impounded; and or held for 10 353 business days after the owner is given written notification 354 under s. 767.12, and thereafter destroyed in an expeditious and 355 humane manner. This 10-day time period shall allow The owner may 356 to request a hearing under s. 767.12 during the 10 business days 357 after such notification. The owner is shall be responsible for 358 payment of all boarding costs and other fees as may be required 359 to humanely and safely keep the animal during any appeal 360 procedure. 361 Section 8.Section 767.135, Florida Statutes, is amended to 362 read: 363 767.135Attack or bite by unclassified dog that causes 364 death; confiscation; destruction.If a dog that has not been 365 declared dangerous attacks and causes the death of a human, the 366 dog must shall be immediately confiscated by an animal control 367 authority;, placed in quarantine, if necessary, for the proper 368 length of time; impounded; and or held for 10 business days 369 after the owner is given written notification under s. 767.12, 370 and thereafter destroyed in an expeditious and humane manner. 371 This 10-day time period shall allow The owner may to request a 372 hearing under s. 767.12 during the 10 business days after such 373 notification. If the owner files a written appeal under s. 374 767.12 or this section, the dog must be held and may not be 375 destroyed while the appeal is pending. The owner is responsible 376 for payment of all boarding costs and other fees as may be 377 required to humanely and safely keep the animal during any 378 appeal procedure. 379 Section 9.Subsection (1) of section 767.136, Florida 380 Statutes, is amended to read: 381 767.136Attack or bite by unclassified dog that causes 382 severe injury or death; penalties. 383 (1)If a dog that has not been declared dangerous attacks 384 and causes severe injury to, or the death of, a human, and the 385 owner of the dog had knowledge of the dogs dangerous 386 propensities, yet failed to secure the dog in a proper enclosure 387 pursuant to s. 767.01(2) demonstrated a reckless disregard for 388 such propensities under the circumstances, the owner of the dog 389 commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as 390 provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. 391 Section 10.This act shall take effect July 1, 2025.