Dog Bites in Florida: Legislative Measures for Protection
The United States Postal Service (USPS) recently released its annual report ranking states with the most dog bites involving postal carriers. Once again, dog bites in Florida have placed the state in the top ten. In 2023, there were over 5,800 incidents of dogs attacking mail carriers across the country. Florida, with 193 reported dog bites, ranked seventh among all states. This was a decrease from the 220 cases reported in 2022. Among Florida cities, mail carriers faced the most danger in Miami, with 21 reported incidents. Saint Petersburg follows with 15, and Jacksonville with 10. These statistics underscore the ongoing threat posed by dog bites in Florida, prompting legislative action to safeguard residents.
Legislative Measures to Address Dog Bites in Florida
In response to the persistent issue of dog bites in Florida, the state legislature has introduced several measures this year. As reported, these initiatives aim to better protect residents. One notable proposal is the “Pam Rock Bill,” named after a woman fatally attacked by five dogs in Putnam County. The Florida House and Senate are considering bills that would require animal control agencies to add dangerous dogs to a centralized database. Additionally, the proposed legislation would mandate that owners of these dogs obtain liability insurance of at least $100,000, provide permanent identification like a tattoo or microchip for the dogs, and notify animal control if a dangerous dog escapes, is sold, or relocates to a new address.
Contact Schwed, Adams & McGinley
If you or a loved one has suffered from a dog bite in Florida, reach out to the experienced personal injury attorneys at Schwed, Adams & McGinley, P.A. Our team has over 200 years of combined experience representing dog bite victims and their families. Therefore, we understand the emotional and physical trauma that dog bites can cause, especially for children. We commit to holding negligent dog owners accountable. Contact us today at 877-694-6079 or email us at contact@schwedlawfirm.com for a free consultation.