Florida Dog Bite Law: What Injured People in Winter Haven Need to Know

A dog bite can happen in seconds, but the pain, scars, and emotional trauma can last much longer. If you or someone you care about was bitten by a dog in Winter Haven, you’re probably wondering who’s responsible and whether you can recover compensation. The good news is that Florida’s dog bite law strongly favors the person who was bitten. Our experienced Winter Haven dog bite lawyer explain what you should know about your rights.

Florida Holds Dog Owners Strictly Liable

Under Florida Statute § 767.04, dog owners are strictly liable when their dog bites someone. This means you don’t have to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous or that it had bitten anyone before. If the dog bit you while you were in a public place or lawfully on private property, the owner is responsible for your damages.

This is significant because many states follow a “one-bite rule,” which requires the injured person to prove the owner already knew the dog was aggressive. In those states, a dog essentially receives one free bite before the owner faces liability. Florida doesn’t work that way. The owner is liable the first time, every time.

This strict liability standard makes Florida dog bite laws some of the most protective in the country for injured individuals.

What Damages Can You Recover After A Dog Bite?

Dog bite injuries can range from minor puncture wounds to severe lacerations, nerve damage, and disfigurement. The compensation you may be entitled to depends on the severity of your injuries. Common damages in dog bite cases include:

• Medical bills: Emergency room visits, surgery, antibiotics, and follow-up care
• Plastic surgery and scar revision procedures
• Lost wages from missed work during recovery
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress, including anxiety and fear of dogs
• Property damage: Torn clothing, broken glasses, or other personal items

Children are especially vulnerable to serious dog bite injuries, including facial scarring that may require multiple reconstructive surgeries over time. If your child was bitten, your claim should factor in the long-term cost of treatment.

How Comparative Negligence Can Affect Your Claim

Florida’s dog bite statute includes a comparative negligence provision. If you did something that contributed to the bite, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Two common situations where this applies:

• Provoking the dog: Teasing, hitting, or antagonizing the animal
• Trespassing on the owner’s property at the time of the bite

Florida follows a pure comparative negligence system, so you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. Your damages are simply reduced accordingly. For example, if you’re found 20% at fault and your total damages are $50,000, you’d recover $40,000.

It’s also worth noting that if the owner prominently displayed a “Bad Dog” sign on their property, this may reduce or eliminate their liability under certain circumstances.

If you’re unsure whether you have a valid dog bite claim, the attorneys at JustCallMoe can review your case for free. Call (866) 225-5663 to get started.

Steps To Take After A Dog Bite In Winter Haven

What you do after a dog bite matters for both your health and your legal claim. Here are the steps you should take.

1. Obtain medical attention immediately. Dog bites carry a high risk of infection, and some injuries, such as nerve damage, aren’t always obvious right away. Keep medical records and bills.
2. Report the bite to Polk County Animal Control. An official report creates important documentation for your case and helps protect others in the community.
3. Document your injuries. Take photos of the wound right away and as it heals—photograph torn clothing and the location where the bite happened.
4. Obtain the owner’s information. If possible, collect the dog owner’s name, address, phone number, and homeowner’s insurance details.
5. Don’t give a recorded statement to the owner’s insurance company without speaking to an attorney first.

When Landlords Or Property Owners May Also Be Liable

The dog’s owner isn’t always the only party responsible. Landlords and property owners in Winter Haven may also be liable if they:

• Knew a tenant’s dog was dangerous and failed to act.
• Allowed a known dangerous dog to remain on rental property.
• Failed to enforce lease provisions about prohibited breeds or aggressive animals.

This is especially relevant in apartment complexes and rental homes where a landlord had knowledge of a dangerous animal. Holding additional parties liable can increase the compensation available to cover your injuries.

You Have Two Years To File A Dog Bite Claim In Florida

Under Florida law, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bites, is two years from the date of the injury. If you miss this deadline, you’ll likely lose your right to file a claim entirely.

Two years may sound like plenty of time, but building a strong case takes work. Evidence disappears, witnesses move away, and medical records need to be gathered. The sooner you contact an attorney, the stronger your case will be.

Don’t let the clock run out on your claim. Call JustCallMoe at (866) 225-5663 for a free consultation today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Laws In Florida

Do I need to prove the dog was aggressive before the bite?

No. Under Florida dog bite law, the owner is strictly liable regardless of the dog’s history. You don’t need to prove the dog was aggressive or that the owner knew it was dangerous.

What if the dog bite happened at a park or on a sidewalk?

Florida’s strict liability statute applies when the bite occurs in a public place or when you’re lawfully on private property. Public parks, sidewalks, and streets in Winter Haven are covered.

How much does it cost to hire a dog bite attorney?

The attorneys at JustCallMoe work on a contingency fee basis. That means no fee unless we win. Your consultation is completely free, and you won’t pay anything unless we recover compensation for you.

Talk To The Attorneys At Justcallmoe About Your Dog Bite Case

Dog bites can result in serious physical and emotional harm, and Florida law is designed to protect you. If you were bitten by a dog in Winter Haven or anywhere in Polk County, the lawyers at JustCallMoe can help you understand your options and pursue fair compensation.

With offices in Orlando, Tampa, Palm Beach Gardens, Rockledge, and Winter Haven, we serve clients throughout Central Florida.

Injured on the go? Contact JustCallMoe! Call (866) 225-5663 today for a free consultation. You don’t pay us unless we win your case.