Florida’s New Dog Bite Law & Liability Insurance: What Pet Owners and Pet Professionals Need to Know (Effective July 1, 2025)
Overview: The Pam Rock Act
As of July 1, 2025, Florida’s Pam Rock Act (HB 593 / SB 572) is in full effect. Named after a mail carrier tragically killed in a dog attack, this law is a major update to how the state defines and manages dangerous dogs, requiring $100,000 in liability insurance and stricter safety protocols for owners.
But it’s not just pet owners who need to pay attention—boarding facilities, dog walkers, pet sitters, groomers, trainers, and other pet care professionals are also impacted.
What Makes a Dog “Dangerous”?
Under the law, a dog is classified as dangerous if it:
Unprovoked, bites or injures a person
- Unprovoked, bites or injures a person
- Kills or severely injures another pet off the owner’s property
- Aggressively approaches or menaces someone in public
- Is used for dog fighting
What Pet Owners Must Do
If your dog is labeled dangerous, you must:
- Obtain liability insurance of at least $100,000
- Microchip and register the dog with local authorities
- Spay or neuter the dog (some exceptions apply)
- Contain the dog securely with clear warning signage
- Provide proof of up-to-date rabies vaccinations
- Never allow the dog off your property unsupervised or unmuzzled
Failure to comply may result in misdemeanor or felony charges, fines, or even euthanasia of the pet depending on the offense.
How This Affects Pet Professionals
This law directly affects dog walkers, pet sitters, boarding facilities, trainers, groomers, and even pet-friendly apartment communities. Here’s how:
Pet Sitters & Dog Walkers
- You may unknowingly be walking or sitting a dog with a bite history or dangerous classification. If the client fails to disclose this, you’re legally at risk.
- Require disclosure of behavior concerns and bite history in all service agreements.
- Consider requiring proof of insurance for dogs with known behavioral issues.
Boarding & Daycare Facilities
- If a dog in your care is labeled dangerous, and you’re unaware or unprepared, your business could face liability in the event of an incident.
- Have a clear behavioral intake policy and written agreements outlining pet temperament.
- Request documentation of training and insurance for dogs with prior incidents.
Groomers & Trainers
- Groomers and trainers are often the first to notice behavioral red flags. Know when to refer out, especially if a dog could be a legal risk.
- Maintain incident reports and client documentation for your records.
Pet-Friendly Rentals & HOAs
- Communities allowing pets may need to update policies requiring proof of compliance with the new law to protect other residents and avoid liability.
The Bigger Liability Picture
Florida is a strict liability state when it comes to dog bites. That means:
- Owners are responsible regardless of prior behavior
- Excuses like “they’ve never done this before” do not absolve liability
- Insurance companies are starting to deny or exclude coverage unless full transparency is given about dog ownership and bite history
For pet professionals, this means:
- Protect your team with clear policies, training, and documentation. If legal issues arise, consulting a lawyer for dog bites can provide the right guidance and protection.
- Know your business insurance limits
- Avoid working with clients who withhold behavioral history
Action Steps for Pet Pros and Pawrents
For Pet Owners
| Confirm or purchase $100K+ dog bite liability coverage |
| Microchip and register your dog if required |
| Commit to recommended training |
| Disclose all past incidents honestly |
| Spay/neuter your dog (if required) |
For Pet Care Businesses
| Review your own business liability insurance |
| Add bite history questions to intake forms |
| Create a dangerous dog policy |
| Require client insurance or trainer verification |
| Decline services for non-compliant pets |
Final Thoughts
Florida’s new dog bite law isn’t just a legal update—it’s a call for responsibility and transparency across the entire pet care industry.
For pet parents, this means more accountability. For pet professionals, it’s about protecting your team, your clients, and your business by staying informed, asking the right questions, and knowing when to say no.
We encourage all pet service providers to review your intake forms, liability waivers, and policies to ensure you’re covered. And for pet owners—if your dog is struggling behaviorally, investing in training and proper care isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Together, we can build safer communities for pets and the people who love (and care for) them.
About the Author:
Savanna Westwood
Savanna Westwood is the Owner and Founder of The Savvy Sitter, Pet Sitting and Dog Walking, LLC. She has grown up with animals all her life and enjoys spending time with them. Savanna has lived in the Winter Garden and Windermere Area for over 30 years. When she is not taking care of Fur Friends, one can find her reading, practicing archery, riding, and devising ways to provide additional and excellent services to clients. Savanna is a Certified Professional Pet Sitter with Pet Sitter International's CPPS certification and also holds certification in Pet First Aid and CPCR for Pet-Care Professionals.
