Key Defense Strategies For Insurers Covering Dog Bite Claims In Florida

A typical property insurance policy in Florida provides a range of personal liability coverage, including cases involving dog bites. These animal attacks can cause disfiguring injuries, psychological trauma, and death. Insurers representing policyholders may want to review various defense strategies that could prove useful in this situation. Consider contacting an insurance defense attorney in Sarasota for more targeted advice.

A Review of Florida’s Dog Bite Laws

Unlike some other states, Florida does not have a “one-bite rule.” As a result, a homeowner could face a dog bite lawsuit even if their animal has never exhibited any aggressive tendencies in the past. A single, random impulse from a canine could trigger a multi-million-dollar lawsuit. In contrast, other states may only allow these claims if the dog has exhibited aggressive behavior in the past.

Another recent development is a new, mandatory form of insurance for certain dog owners in Florida. In May of 2025, Insurance Journal reported that anyone who owns a “dangerous dog” must now obtain at least $100,000 in liability insurance. This is the result of House Bill 593, which was influenced by a fatal assault on a mail carrier in 2022. In addition to the mandatory $100,000 in coverage, owners of dangerous dogs must now keep their animals in enclosures. They must also put up signs, embed microchips in their animals, and regularly vaccinate them against rabies. Finally, these dogs must now be neutered by their owners. Violators face first-degree misdemeanors.

Based on these developments, it may become necessary to challenge the legal definition of a “dangerous dog.” This could be necessary even in the absence of a one-bite rule.

The Provocation Defense 

One of the most obvious options in this scenario is the provocation defense. In Florida, alleged victims cannot file dog bite lawsuits if they provoked the animal before the attack. For example, the individual might have goaded or taunted the animal. They might have kicked the animal. Whatever the case may be, insurers may be able to avoid liability if they can establish that the alleged victim provoked the animal.

The Trespassing Defense 

Another common approach is the trespassing defense. If you can establish that the alleged victim had no right to be on the property at the time of the attack, this could make a successful claim impossible. Experienced lawyers may be able to investigate these incidents to uncover evidence of burglary or property destruction to support a trespassing claim.

How Can an Insurance Defense Attorney in Sarasota Help? 

If your insurance company is facing a major dog bite claim, you might want to speak with experienced insurance defense attorneys in Sarasota. These legal professionals are familiar with numerous defense strategies that could prove helpful in this situation. That being said, the most optimal insurance defense strategies depend entirely on the specifics of each situation. Discuss the specifics with HD Law Partners today.

Sources:

progressive.com/answers/does-home-insurance-cover-dog-bites/

insurancejournal.com/news/southeast/2025/05/23/824968.htm