Florida's Dog Nuisance Laws

Each state has its own laws that cover nuisances. Florida has several dog nuisance laws, covering issues such as barking and biting. The laws, which have consequences for owners and sometimes for dogs, are in place to keep people and animals safe. States have the right to apply and repeal these laws as they choose.

  1. Sterilization

    • Florida law (Title XLVI, Crimes, Chapter 823, Public Nuisances 823.15) declares that the state will do everything in its power to reduce the population of unwanted kittens and puppies. Dogs or cats adopted at any private or public shelter are sterilized, meaning spayed and neutered, before they go to a new owner. Unwanted puppies and kittens are a nuisance for the city. They carry and spread disease among other animals and even humans.

    Strict Liability State

    • Another problem that falls under dog nuisance laws is the danger a lone, unleashed dog may represent to the public at large. Florida is a strict liability state regarding dog bites and attacks. This means that that owner of a dog involved in an attack is responsible for all damages and can be sued by the victim or victim's family. The dog's previous behavior does not matter in these instances, and proof of the owner's negligence is not required. Exceptions to this law are the following: The victim was a trespasser, the victim was a veterinarian or professional treating the dog at the time of the incident, the victim was committing a felony against the dog, the victim assumed the risk of being bitten (ignored danger signs), or the dog was assisting the military or police at the time.

    Leash Laws

    • Florida has laws requiring dogs to be on leashes. The laws preserve the safety of people, keeping them from being attacked by unleashed dogs, and it also keeps dogs safe from traffic and dangerous streets.