Howard Coker | December 16, 2025 | Dog bites
Dog owners in Florida have a duty to maintain control of their animals to prevent harm to others or to other animals. While there is no statewide leash law, many local municipalities have enacted their own leash laws. However, Florida does follow a strict liability rule when it comes to dog bites.
Keep reading below for more details on what this means for dog owners as well as victims who may have been injured by a dog bite.
Leash Laws in Jacksonville
Although Florida does not have a statewide leash law, Jacksonville does have local leash laws in place. According to the Jacksonville Municipal Code, dogs must be restrained within the city at most times. Dogs are prohibited from being at large, and their owners must ensure they are properly restrained and under control.
One exception to this rule is when the dog is at an official “off-leash” dog park. In this case, the dog is allowed to be unrestrained and free from a leash, tether, or harness; however, the dog must still be supervised by the owner or another responsible person.
Florida Dog Bite Laws
Unlike leash laws, the state of Florida does have statewide dog bite laws. Under Florida law, dog owners face strict liability for injuries resulting from a dog bite. As long as the person who was bitten was in a public place or was lawfully on private property, they can hold the dog owner responsible for their injuries.
In these situations, there is no need to prove negligence or carelessness of the dog owner. Similarly, it does not matter whether the dog has a history of aggression or biting. Florida’s dog bite laws do follow the state’s comparative negligence rules.
If the victim’s own negligence contributed to the bite, the dog owner’s liability will be reduced. For example, suppose a victim suffered $10,000 in damages from a dog bite, but their own negligence is found to be 20% responsible for the accident. In that case, they would only be allowed to recover 80%, or $8,000, of their damages from the dog’s owner.
What Types of Damages Are Available to Victims of Dog Bites in Jacksonville?
Victims who are injured due to a dog bite can recover both economic damages and non-economic damages from the dog’s owner. Economic damages are used to compensate victims for their financial losses. Putting a value on these losses is usually quite easy because the victim should have bills, receipts, or other evidence to show the specific amounts of these losses.
Some common examples include:
- Medical bills
- Surgery
- Rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expenses
On the other hand, non-economic damages compensate victims for their intangible losses. It can be much more challenging to put a specific value on these damages.
Some of the most common types of non-economic damages available in dog bite cases are:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- PTSD
- Permanent fear of dogs
- Diminished quality of life
- Permanent scarring
- Disfigurement
The non-economic damages in a dog bite case may be worth even more than the economic damages available in the case. An experienced Jacksonville dog bite lawyer can help you determine all the damages available in your case and put a proper value on your claim.
Proving Your Dog Bite Claim
If you have been bitten by a dog in Jacksonville, you will need evidence to prove your claim. Since Florida imposes strict liability for dog bites, you won’t have to worry about proving the owner’s negligence.
Instead, you will simply need to show:
- You were in a public place or lawfully on private property
- The dog bit you
- You suffered some injuries or damages as a result
There are many different types of evidence you might use to prove your case, which may include:
- Your testimony
- Witness testimony
- Photos or video footage
- Medical records
- Expert witnesses
The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be.
Contact the Jacksonville Dog Bite Lawyers at Coker Law Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
If you need help getting compensation for your injuries after a dog bite, contact the experienced team at Coker Law Personal Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation. Our Jacksonville dog bite attorneys will protect your rights and explain your legal options.
For more information, please contact the Jacksonville personal injury law firm of Coker Law Personal Injury Lawyers and schedule a free consultation today.
We serve Duval County and its surrounding areas.
Coker Law Personal Injury Lawyers
136 E Bay St #5438
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 356-6071
Find us with our Geo Coordinates: 30.32569719086265, -81.65515220132858
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Attorney Howard Coker is the founder of Coker Law Personal Injury Lawyers. A graduate of the University of Florida College of Law, he has dedicated his career to representing individuals in serious personal injury cases. With more than four decades of courtroom experience and over 350 jury trials, Howard is recognized as one of Florida’s top trial attorneys. His commitment to justice ensures every client receives the strong, personalized representation they deserve. Check our recent case results.
Location: Jacksonville, FL