FloridaHB 5932025HouseWALLET

Dangerous Dogs

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 2 mixed.

New registration and insurance for dangerous dogs

Owners must register a dog after its dangerous-dog classification becomes final and renew the certificate each year. Applicants must be at least 18 and show proof of rabies vaccination, a proper enclosure and warning signs, a microchip, and spaying or neutering. Owners must also carry at least $100,000 in liability coverage for a person's injuries from an attack and show proof to local animal control. Knowingly and willfully removing a chip placed for registration is a third-degree felony.

Higher penalties for dangerous dog violations

A person who resists or obstructs animal control while it enforces dangerous-dog rules commits a first-degree misdemeanor. Beginning July 1, 2025, an owner who recklessly ignores a known, unclassified dog's dangerous propensities commits a first-degree misdemeanor if the dog severely injures or kills someone; the offense was previously a second-degree misdemeanor. If a previously declared dangerous dog severely injures or kills someone, the owner's offense rises from a third-degree to a second-degree felony. The maximum fine for a noncriminal violation doubles from $500 to $1,000 per violation.

Dogs held after severe attacks

During a dangerous-dog investigation, animal control must take a dog that killed a person or caused a bite mark scoring 5 or higher on the Dunbar bite scale. For other dogs under investigation, animal control may take or hold the dog. If it does not, the owner must confine the dog, give the authority the dog's address, and not move or transfer it while proceedings continue. Beginning July 1, 2025, an unclassified dog that causes a person's death must be held for 10 business days after written notice; the owner may request a hearing or file a written appeal. The dog cannot be destroyed while an appeal is pending, but the owner pays boarding costs and required fees.

New limits on handling dangerous dogs

Owners who know their dog has dangerous propensities must keep it in a proper, secure enclosure. A dangerous dog outside its enclosure must wear a muzzle, stay on a strong leash or chain, and remain under a capable person's control. Special rules limit exercise inside an enclosure and require safe restraint in vehicles. Owners must tell animal control before selling or giving away a dangerous dog, and the new owner must follow state rules and local ordinances. Dangerous dogs cannot be used for hunting, including during legal hunts or training.

Rules for surrendered dangerous dogs

Animal control must humanely euthanize a surrendered dangerous dog that killed a person or caused a bite mark scoring 5 or higher on the Dunbar bite scale. For other surrendered dangerous dogs, the authority may euthanize the dog or offer it for adoption. If it offers adoption, it must post warning signs, give the adopter the dog's dangerous-dog declaration, and get a signed agreement to follow its requirements.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Judson Sapp
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Intergovernmental Affairs Subcommittee
Affiliation unavailable

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 263 • No: 0

House vote • 4/30/2025

House Floor Vote

Yes: 112 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/28/2025

Senate Floor Vote

Yes: 36 • No: 0

House vote • 4/23/2025