Tampa Dog Bite Lawyer

Our dog bite attorneys in Tampa can help you if you’re the victim of a dog bite. Even though dogs can be wonderful companions who live in many residential neighborhoods, dogs can be unpredictable. Any dog can bite.

If you become the victim of a dog bite, you might wonder what you can do to recover for your financial losses and emotional suffering. Our lawyers for dog bites in Tampa can help you address what happened and find relief after a dog bite.

Dog Bite Lawyers in Tampa

Some of the groups at highest risk for serious dog bite injury include:

• Small children and toddlers (under age 6), who are more likely to suffer bites to the face, head, and neck
• Elderly individuals, who may have thinner skin and slower healing
• Postal workers, delivery drivers, and home service professionals who regularly enter private property
• Anyone who encounters an unfamiliar dog without the pet owner present

You may miss days, weeks, or even months of work. A dog bite may be severe enough to change the course of your career. In extreme cases, a dog bite can cause permanent injuries and lifelong difficulties. If you or someone you know has been bitten, it is worth speaking with a Tampa personal injury attorney about your options.

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Tampa, Florida Dog Bite Laws

Dog bite laws in Tampa, Florida come from state laws. There are county-level ordinances that cover licensing and animal control issues, but state law is the basis for dog bite laws in Florida. When a dog bite occurs, animal control authorities should be notified so that they can:

• Ensure the dog is safely contained
• Verify that the dog is vaccinated for zoonotic diseases as required by law
• Cite the dog owner for any violation of ordinances such as leash or nuisance laws

If you are bitten by a dog that is unlicensed, unvaccinated, or whose ownership and vaccination status is unknown, seek immediate medical evaluation. The CDC recommends prompt wound care and healthcare provider assessment for rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), which can add substantial costs to your medical care and should be documented as part of your injury claim. Work closely with local animal control authorities, your doctor, and your attorney to make sure your medical needs are fully evaluated.

Florida’s strict liability rule for dog bites

Florida does not follow a “one bite” rule for dog bites. A dog owner does not escape liability for a dog bite just because the dog has never bitten before. Instead, Florida holds dog owners strictly liable to bite victims, even the very first time the dog bites someone.

Under Fla. Stat. § 767.04 (2025), Florida’s strict liability dog bite statute, a dog owner is liable for damages whenever their dog bites someone in a public place or lawfully on private property, regardless of the dog’s prior history of aggression or the owner’s knowledge of it. The bite victim doesn’t have to show how the dog owner acted unreasonably or created an unsafe situation. Any time a dog bites, the dog owner is legally responsible for the victim’s damages.

Quick reference: Florida dog bite liability

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Exceptions to Florida Dog Bite Laws

There are some notable exceptions in Florida’s dog bite laws. Understanding these exceptions can help you determine whether you have a valid dog bite case.

When a dog owner may not be liable

For the dog owner to be liable for a bite, the dog bite must occur on public property or on private property where the victim has a right to be. A dog owner can be liable even if the dog bite happens on the dog owner’s property as long as the dog bite victim is lawfully on the property. Social guests, mail and package delivery workers, law enforcement, and home service professionals can all use Florida dog bite laws to hold a pet owner responsible for a bite if the victim is lawfully on the owner’s property when the bite occurs.

A dog owner is not legally liable in these situations:

• Trespassing: The bite victim was trespassing at the time of the dog bite
• “Bad dog” sign defense: Under Fla. Stat. § 767.04 (2025), a dog owner may escape liability by posting a prominently displayed “Bad Dog” sign. This defense does not apply if the bite victim is a child under age 6 or if the owner’s own negligence contributed to the incident.
• Provocation: The victim provoked or antagonized the dog into biting

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Compensation for Dog Bite Victims in Tampa

Recovery from a dog bite is not always as simple as receiving medical care for the wounds. Depending on the situation, the severity of the bite and the victim’s level of pain, a dog bite can cause many emotional scars that may be difficult to resolve. If you’re walking down a sidewalk and are surprised by a dog attack, you might not feel comfortable walking in your neighborhood. If the dog bite happens on your property, you may not feel safe in your yard or home. Pursuing compensation for your injuries does not repair the emotional and physical damage, but it does give you the resources to seek the medical and mental health care you might need to resume your normal activities without ongoing fear.

Homeowner’s insurance may cover medical expenses and lost wages. You may also be able to request damages from the dog’s owner and from the owner of the property where the bite occurs such as the dog owner’s landlord. The landlord can also be held liable if they know that the dog has a history of biting and aggression towards people.

When you’re hurt because of a dog bite, you know that your damages are mental and emotional as well as physical. Covering your medical bills may not do justice to what you’ve endured. Florida law allows you to claim financial payments as compensation for mental injuries, physical pain, and the disruption in your lifestyle. Experienced dog bite attorneys can help you determine the extent of your losses and value them as part of your claim for compensation.

Types of compensation available in Tampa dog bite cases

Florida law allows dog bite victims to claim financial payments for a range of damages. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you determine the full extent of your losses.

Who pays for dog bite injuries in Florida?

Homeowner’s insurance may cover medical expenses and lost wages, and claims can be substantial. Florida ranked second nationally in 2024 with 1,821 dog bite insurance claims averaging $55,680 each, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Nationwide, insurers paid $1.57 billion in dog-related injury claims in 2024 alone.

You may also be able to request damages from:

• The dog’s owner directly
• The owner of the property where the bite occurs, such as the dog owner’s landlord
• A landlord who knew the dog had a history of biting and aggression. The landlord can be held liable for allowing a dangerous dog on their property.

Dealing with insurance companies after a dog bite can be difficult. Having an experienced attorney on your side can help you gather evidence and build a stronger case for full compensation.

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What to do after a dog bite in Tampa

If you or someone you know has been bitten by a dog in the Tampa area, take the following steps to protect your health and your legal rights:

• Seek immediate medical attention. Even bites that appear minor can lead to infection or other complications if left untreated.
• Report the bite to Hillsborough County Animal Services or your local animal control authority.
• Document your injuries. Take photographs of the bite wound, your torn clothing, and the location where the attack happened.
• Gather evidence. Get the dog owner’s name, address, and insurance information. Ask any witnesses for their contact details.
• Keep all medical records. Save receipts for medical bills, prescriptions, and any related expenses.
• Contact a Tampa dog bite attorney. The time to bring your claim is limited under Florida’s personal injury statute of limitations.

Can I sue for a dog bite in Florida?

Yes. Under Florida’s strict liability rule, you do not need to prove that the dog owner was negligent or that the dog had a history of biting. If a dog bites you while you are lawfully on public or private property, the dog owner is responsible for your damages. For a detailed explanation of the legal process, visit our page on how to sue for a dog bite.

Keep in mind that Florida’s personal injury statute of limitations limits the time you have to file a dog bite lawsuit. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence and strengthen your case.

How do you know if a dog bite is serious?

Not every dog bite requires emergency surgery, but many do require more medical treatment than people expect. A bite that breaks the skin can introduce bacteria from the dog’s mouth into the wound, leading to infection. Learn more about recognizing when a dog bite is serious.

Signs that a dog bite needs immediate medical care include:

• Deep puncture wounds or heavy bleeding that does not stop with pressure
• Bites to the face, head, neck, or hands
• Visible muscle, tendon, or bone
• Signs of infection such as redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge
• Bites from an unfamiliar dog or a dog with unknown vaccination status
• Any bite to a child, elderly person, or someone with a weakened immune system

Dog bite statistics: Tampa and Florida

Understanding the scope of dog bite injuries in Florida can help put your situation in context:

Sources: AVMA Dog Bite Prevention (2025); Insurance Information Institute (2025)

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Contact Our Tampa Dog Bite Lawyers at Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys

Frequently asked questions about Tampa dog bite cases

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