Florida Child Injury Lawyer Blog

In Gulf County, there are county ordinances that regulate the licensing, classification, confinement and disposal of dogs and cats. Pursuant to the Gulf County Code of Ordinances, dog owners have a duty to prevent domestic animals (dogs and cats) from running at large. Under the definition section of the Code of Gulf County Ordinances, the following definitions apply:

"At Large" is defined as an animal when off the property and not under restraint.

"Confined" is defined as within a building, pen fenced yard, vehicle, on a leash or on a chain.

"Restraint" is defined as confined within the real property limits of its owner or secured by a leash or lead.

It is important for dog owner in Gulf County to keep control of his or her dog. Confining a dog to a particular area and / or utilizing a leash at all times off the property will help prevent incidents in which a dog, for cause or not cause at all, bites an adult or a child. Dog bite injuries continue to occur across the State of Florida and involve serious injuries that involve costly medical bills, pain and suffering, and permanent scarring and disfigurement. You can read more these regulations at Gulf County Animal Control County Ordinances.

Gulf County is located in Florida's panhandle on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico and includes the following cities: Port St. Joe and Wewahitchka.

In Hardee County, Florida, a down owner has a duty to maintain possession, charge, custody or control of a dog and shall not allow the dog to run "at large". When a dog is off the premises of the owner, there is a duty to keep the dog on a leash or otherwise under the direct control of the dog owner pursuant to Section 4.105 - Dogs and Cats at Large - Restrictions - Code of Hardee County Ordinances. Direct Control is defined as immediate and continuous physical control of an animal at all times such as by means of a fence, leash, cord, or chain of specific length. For specially trained dogs, Direct Control is defined as dogs that respond to oral or aural control assuming that the person controlling the dog is within the unobstructed sight and hearing of the dog.

You can access the Animal Control County Ordinances for Hardee County and also read other information at Hardee County Animal Control.

It is important for dog owner in Hardee County to follow Animal Control ordinances and also to exercise due care and common sense when owning a animal. Compliance will help prevent the incidents of serious dog bite incidents that cause serious personal injuries to children and adults alike.

Hardee County, Florida is located in Central Florida just south of Polk County and includes the following cities: Bowling Green, Wauchula, and Zolfo Springs.

If a dog is off its owner's private property, the dog must be under restraint unless the dog is actively engaged in the sport of hunting. A dog, properly under restraint in St. Lucie County, is a dog that is secured by a leash or lead. "Leash or lead" is defined as a cord, rope, chain, or similar device which holds an animal under restraint and is not more than six (6) feet in length.

If you would like to read more of the Dog Provisions of St. Lucie County, Florida please see Code of Ordinances, County of St. Lucie, Florida, Article II - Animal Control.

St. Lucie County, Florida is located on the East Coast of Florida and includes the following cities: Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, and St. Lucie Village.

Continue reading "Is There a Dog Leash Law in St. Lucie County (Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, and St. Lucie Village) Florida?" »

Pursuant to Marion County, Florida, Code of Ordinances, Chapter 9 - Animals, Article 4 - Animal Control, Care and Treatment, Sec 9.90 - Animal Restraint Law, dogs off the property of their owner must be under restraint or control of a competent person by means of a chain, leash, or other similar device, or is in a secure cage or other secure enclosure. Also, dogs shall not be allowed on any County owned athletic field or facility or parks unless otherwise permitted.

Under the Martin County Ordinance, "at large" is defined as any animal running loose that has a current or traceable Martin County license. "Control" means the regulation of the possession, ownership, care and custody of a dog. If you would like to read more about the Dog Provisions see Marion County, Florida, Code of Ordinances, Chapter 9 - Animals.

Martin County, Florida is located on the East Coast of Florida and includes the following cities: Arundel, Indiantown, Hobe Sound, Hutchinson Island South, Jensen Beach, Jupiter Island, Ocean Breeze Park, Palm City, Sewall's Point, and Stuart.

Continue reading "Is There a Dog Leash Law in Martin County (Indiantown, Jensen Beach, Jupiter Island, and Stuart) Florida?" »

In Charlotte County, Florida, it is unlawful for dog owners or those having possession, charge, custody or control of any dog to cause, permit or allow their dog to stray or in any manner run at large upon any public street, sidewalk or other public property or upon the property of another with that property owner's consent. If dogs are observed to be stray or running at large, officers are authorized to impound the dog.

However, dogs are permitted to be off the premises of its owner of any other person having possession, charge, custody or control of the dog if the dog is leashed or on a specifically designated dog park.

Dog owners must, at all times, have "direct control" over their dog. Direct control is defined as the immediate and continuous physical control of the dog by means of a fence, leash, cord or chain of sufficient strength to restrain the animal. If you would like to read more on the Dog Provisions of Charlotte County, Florida please see Code of Laws and Ordinances of Charlotte County, Florida.

Charlotte County, Florida is located on the West Coast of Florida and includes the following cities: - Cleveland, Grove City, Palm Island, Placida, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, Rotonda, and Solana.

It is important, as a dog owner, to keep your dog leashed when off your property. Leashing your dog will prevent your dog from attacking an adult, child or other domesticated animal and reduce your chance of incurring any liability for injuries caused by your dog.

Any owner of a dog or person in possession, charge, custody or control of a dog is prohibited from allowing their dog to become stray or roam at large in or upon any public street, sidewalk, school grounds, in the area of school vehicles, beaches, parks or on the private property of others without the consent of the property owner. "Roaming at large" is defined as any dog not under the restraint, confinement or direct control of its owner or his agent.

Proper "restraint" in Lee County is defined as the restraint of a dog by leash, fence, building, chain, cage, crate or other secure enclosure that prevents the dog from roaming at large. If dogs are restrained exclusively by chain or tether, the chain or tether must be at least ten (10) feet in length, weigh no more than one-eighth (1/8) of the dog's weight and have swivels on both ends.

"Direct Control" is defined as the immediate and continuous physical control of a dog at all times; such as by means of a leash not to exceed six (6) feet in length, cord or chain of sufficient strength to restrain the dog.

If you would like to read more of the dog provisions of Lee County, Florida see Lee County, Florida, Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6 - Animals and Fowl.

Lee County, Florida is located in Southwest Florida and includes the following cities:
Alva, Boca Grande, Bokeelia, Bonita Springs, Captiva, Cape Coral, Estero, Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers Shores, Fort Myers Villas, Gateway, Lehigh Acres, North Fort Myers, Page Park, Pine Island Center, Punta Rassa, Sanibel, San Carlos Park, St. James City, Tice, and Waterway Estate.

In Palm Beach County, Florida, when a dog is off the property of it owner, sufficient and lawful means of restraint or confined are as follows:

1. Dog owners must have their dog under restraint or be controlled by a person by means of a chain, leash or other device if the dog is off its owner's property;

2. Or, the dog is sufficiently near its handler to be under the handler's direct control and is obedient to that handler's commands;

3. Or is caged or crated.
--"Owner's property" is defined as the property which is exclusive to the owner and does not include common areas.

It is unlawful for dog owners to tie, chain, or otherwise tether by electronic/radio device a dog on the owner's property withing 5 feet of public property, public access, easements, common grounds, or the property of another without the consent of that property owner. If you would like to read more about the Dog Provisions in this area see Code of Ordinances of Palm Beach County, Florida, Chapter 4, Animals.

Palm Beach County, Florida is located in South Florida on the East Coast and includes the following cities: Atlantis, Belle Glade, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Briny Breezes, Canal Point, Cloud Lake, Delray Beach, Glen Ridge, Golf, Greenacres, Gulf Stream, Haverhill, Highland Beach, Hypoluxo, Juno Beach, Jupiter, Jupiter Inlet Colony, Lake Clarke Shores, Lake Park, Lake Worth, Lantana, Loxahatchee, Manalapan, Mangonia Park, North Palm Beach, Ocean Ridge, Pahokee, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Palm Beach Shores, Palm Springs, Riviera Beach, Royal Palm Beach, Sandcut, South Bay, South Palm Beach, Tequesta, Wellington, and West Palm Beach.

Continue reading "Is There a Dog Leash Law in Palm Beach County (Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Jupiter and Lake Worth) Florida?" »

Pursuant to Code of Ordinances, of the County of Hendry, Florida, Chapter 1-5, Animal Control, Sec. 1-5-16, Control and confinement of animals, dog owners must exercise reasonable care to protect humans, other animals or other property from injury or damage caused by the behavior of the dog.

Dog owners shall also exercise reasonable care to prevent their dog, while unattended, from leaving the premises of the owner by:
1. Confinement in a secure enclosure, fence, or pen from which the animal cannot dig, climb, jump or otherwise escape and which is locked while the animal is unattended;

2. Restraint by chain, cable and trolley, or other tether to prevent escape; or

3. Leash and physical control of a person capable of preventing the dog from escaping.

If not unattended, the dog owner shall exercise reasonable care to maintain the dog of the owner's premises by:
1. Confinement in a vehicle from which the dog cannot climb, jump or otherwise escape; or

2. Leash and physical control or a person capable of preventing such animal from escaping.

Repeat offenders - a dog that has been repeatedly (defined as 3 charged offenses) allowed to run loose or otherwise not confined in accordance with this ordinance must be spayed or neutered at the owner's expense.

Hendry County, Florida is located in Southwest Florida and includes the following cities: - Clewiston, Harlem, and La Belle.

Dogs "at large" are prohibited in Broward County, Florida. Dogs are prohibited from becoming stray, running or going at large upon any public property or street, sidewalk, park or on the private property of another without the consent of that property owner. If a dog is found to be on the property of another without the property owner's consent, the dog may be humanely captured and confined. "At large" is defined as a dog not on its owner's property, and not under the restraint or direct control, custody, charge or possession of the owner, or other responsible person.

Any person leashing or otherwise confining a dog must do so in a humane fashion that is not injurious to the dog's health.

For a dog to be allowed on a public street, road, park or other public property, unless specifically permitted otherwise, the dog must be under the direct control of its owner or keeper. "Direct control" shall mean immediate, continuous physical control of the dog at all times, such as by means of a fence, leash, cord or chain of sufficient strength to restrain the dog.

If you would like to read more of the Dog Provisions in this area see Broward County, Florida, Code of Ordinances, Chapter 4, Animals and Fowl, Sec. 4-3: Dogs at large prohibited.

Broward County, Florida is located in South Florida on the East Coast and includes the following cities: Coconut Creek, Cooper City, Coral Springs, Dania Beach, Davie, Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale Beach, Hillsboro Beach, Hollywood, Lauderdale Lakes, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Lauderhill, Lazy Lake, Lighthouse Point, Margate, Miramar, North Lauderdale, Oakland Park, Parkland, Pembroke Park, Pembroke Pines, Plantation, Pompano Beach, Port Everglades, Sea Ranch Lakes, Southwest Ranches, Sunrise, Tamarac, West Park, Weston, and Wilton Manors.

In Collier County, Florida, it is unlawful for dog owners to permit their dogs:

1. To be upon beaches, whether fettered or unfettered, unless the area has been designated as a proper are suitable for use by dogs.

2. To run at large on any public street, road, sidewalk or other public place. Or upon the private property of another unless given consent by that property owner.

3. To be within a park or upon public school grounds or public school playground, whether fettered or unfettered, unless the area has been designated as appropriate for such use.

4. To trespass upon the property of another so as to damage or destroy any property or thing of value.

Important definitions:
1. "At large" - a dog that is off the premises of its owner and not under the direct control of its owner or other competent person, on a suitable leash of dependable strength sufficient to restrain the animal.
2. "Direct Control" - the immediate, continuous physical control of the dog at all time by such as by means of a fence, tether or suitable leash of dependable strength sufficient to restrain the dog.
3. "Owner" - means any person have a right of property in a dog, or any person with the right or duty to control the dog, or any person then physically controlling, possessing, harboring or keeping the dog.

If you would like to read more of the Dog Provisions or laws regarding other animals in Collier County, Florida see Code of Laws and Ordinances of Collier County, Florida.

Collier County, Florida is located in Southwest Florida on the West Coast and includes the following cities: Ave Maria, East Naples, Everglades City, Golden Gate, Immokalee, Marco, Naples, Naples Manor, Naples Park, North Naples, Ochopee, and Palm River Estates.

In Monroe County, Florida, dog owners are prohibited from allowing their dogs to run at large on any public property or on any private property of another without the permission of the property owner. Pursuant to the Monroe County, Florida ordinance, "at large" is defined as a dog that is not under the control, custody, charge or possession of the owner or other responsible person in attendance, by leash, secure fence or other means of human confinement or restraint. "Direct control" is defined as control that is immediate and continuous.

The following regulations apply in Monroe County, Florida:

1. A dog owner shall leash their dog while upon school grounds.

2. Except for dogs that assists disabled persons, dogs are prohibited from all county parks, beaches and other county facilities, unless where otherwise permitted by this Code.

"Leash" is defined as a cord, strap or other like apparatus that is attached to the dog in an effort to control the movement of the dog by the holder of the leash.

If you would like to read more of the Dog Provisions in Monroe County, Florida see Monroe County, Florida, Code of Ordinances, Chapter 4, Animals.

Monroe County, Florida is located in South Florida and includes the Florida Keys and the following cities: Big Pine, Islamorada, Key Colony Beach, Key Largo, Key West, Layton, Marathon, Sugarloaf Key, and Tavernier.

Pursuant to Sec. 14-41 of the Code of Ordinances of Sarasota County, Florida, dog owners or prohibited from permitting their dogs to run at large unless their dogs are leashed in any of the following circumstances:

1. upon any public street or sidewalk, unless specifically allowed by another ordinance;
2. the property of another;
3. common areas of condominium, mobile home park, or other aggregate living where the property is held by an owners association or similar entity.

At all times a dog must be under the direct control of its owner or other responsible person. "Direct control" is defined as the immediate and continuous physical control of the dog at all times by means of a fence, leash, cord or chain of sufficient strength to restrain the dog.

If an animal is found to be "at large" are legally allowed to impound the dog and are entitled to enter onto the private property of another for the purpose of capturing the dog for impoundment.

Violation of this ordinance is a punishable offense. If you would like to read more of the Dog Provisions of Sarasota County, Florida see Code of Ordinances of Sarasota County, Florida.

In Manatee County, Florida, dogs are prohibited from being "at large" upon any public property, street, or sidewalk, or on private property of another without the consent of the property owner. If a dog is found to be "at large", the dog may be humanely captured and turned over to the division, or other human organization, or licensed wildlife trapper. In its capture, the dog shall not be tied, chained or otherwise tethered in such a manner that is injurious to the dog's health.

The owner of a dog must have direct control of his or her dog at all times. For purposes of this ordinance, "at large" shall mean any dog not on its owner's premises, no in the control or custody of its owner or custodian and not under the physical control of its owner or custodian while off its owner's or custodian's premises. "Control" shall mean the regulation of the possession, ownership, care, custody or supervision of the animal.

If you would like to read more of the dog provisions of Manatee County, Florida see Manatee County, Florida, Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2-4, Animals, Article I, Animal Ordinance.

Manatee County, Florida is located on the West Coast of Florida near the Tampa area and includes the following cities: Anna Maria, Bradenton, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, Longboat Key, Myakka City, Oneco, and Palmetto.

Children are naive when it comes to their dangers of animals, especially dogs. Most children fail to appreciate the inherent dangerous propensities of dogs - because even if the dog is domesticated, it is still a wild animal. Therefore, parents and guardians need to teach children how to behave around dogs.

Below are some tips from experts for parents, guardians, babysitters, and day care providers and workers they can use to teach their children how to act around dogs:
1. If a child is playing with a dog, he or she should always be supervised by an adult.
2. If your child wants to pet a dog that is being walked by its owner and the dog is leashed, ask the owner's permission first. Also, looks for signs of friendliness from the dog such as a wagging tail, ears not pinned back, teeth not shown, etc. Tell the child to make a fist so the dog can smell the child before the child pets the dog. Hold your child's hand as he or she pets the dog.
3. Never let your child approach a stranger with a dog alone. Teach your child to not go with a stranger to look for a puppy as well.
4. Teach your child to never get between two dogs fighting.
5. Never let your child approach an injured animal, even his or her own. An injured animal can be very irritable and is more likely to attack.
6. Teach your child to never approach a loose and/or unsupervised dog. Instead the child should stand still, not make eye contact, and otherwise appear submissive so as not to come off as a threat to the dog.

If you would like to read more on this topic see Tips for parents on how to teach their children to act around dogs.

In Okaloosa County, Florida the required restraint by a dog owner depends upon the type of property the dog is located on. While the dog is on its owner's or custodian's property, the owner or custodian shall exercise diligence and reasonable care to prevent the dog from leaving his or her property.

In urban areas of the county, restraint exists when the dog is:
1. Enclosed within a fence, house, building, pen or other enclosure where the dog cannot escape. These enclosures must be securely fastened if the dog is left unattended.
2. On a leash by a competent person.
3. Off a leash but under voice control and obedient to the controlling person's commands and the controlling person is present with the dog at all time.

In agricultural or low-density areas of the county, restraint exists when the dog is:
1. Within the real property limits of the owner or custodian.
2. Under the control of a responsible person and obedient to the controlling person's commands to the extent that the dog will not trespass upon or disturb the property of another.

If a dog is off the premises of its owner or custodian the owner or custodian must exercise diligence and reasonable care to keep his or her dog under restrain. The only acceptable methods of restraint are:
1. Inside a vehicle, parked or in motion.
2. Confined within a enclosure with permission of the occupant of the property where the dog is temporarily located.
3. On a leash held by a competent person.
4. Under the control of a responsible person and the controlling person's commands prevent trespass.
5. In a secured or fastened cage with adequate ventilation and space for the dog.

Note: It is unlawful to chain, tie, leash or otherwise tether a dog to a house, tree or other stationary object as a means of confinement to property.

If you would like to read more of the Dog Provisions in Okaloosa County, Florida see Code of Ordinances of Okaloosa County, Florida.

Okaloosa County, Florida is located in Northwest Florida and includes the following cities: Baker, Cinco Bayou, Crestview, Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Laurel Hill, Mary Esther, Niceville, Shalimar, and Valparaiso.

In Bay County, Florida it is unlawful for dog owners to allow their dogs to run at large upon public or private property without the property owner's consent, or, the lessee's consent if the property is being leased. Also, all dogs, when off their owner's property or on another's property by consent, shall be under the direct control of a competent person who is able to control the dog or shall be kept under restraint.

Pursuant to section 4-27 of the Bay County, Florida Code of Ordinances, an "at large" dog is defined as a dog off the premises of the its owner and not under the direct control, custody, possession or charge of its owner or other responsible person either by leash, cord or chain of sufficient strength. Under the same statute, "direct control" means the immediate and continuous physical control by means of a leash, cord or chain of sufficient strength to restrain the dog. In the case of specially trained dogs that are taught to immediately respond to oral commands, direct control shall include oral commands so long as the controlling person controlling person is has unobstructed sight and hearing of the dog and is no more than 100 feet away from the dog.

Bay County, Florida is located in Florida's panhandle and includes the following cities: Bayou George, Bear Creek, Callaway, Cedar Grove, Fountain, Hiland Park, Laguna Beach, Lynn Haven, Mexico Beach, Millville, Panama City, Panama City Beach, Parker, Rosemary Beach, Sand Hills, Sandy Creek, Southport, Springfield, West Bay, West Panama City Beach, and Youngstown.

Pursuant to Chapter 6, Article I, Sec. 6.007, Running at large, dogs must carry identification at all times. Dog owners are prohibited from allowing their dogs to run at large. "Run at large" is defined as a dog off the premises of its owner and not under the owner's supervision or direct control. "Direct Control" is defined as the immediate and continuous control of a dog at all time by leash, cord or chain of sufficient strength to humanly restrain the dog.

All dogs on the owner's property shall be physically contained by fence or other enclosure.

Wakulla County is located in North Florida near Tallahassee and includes the following cities: - Crawfordville, Sopchoppy, Smith Creek, St. Marks, Wakulla Beach, and Wakulla Springs.

To read more of the Dog Provisions in Wakulla County, Florida or requirements concerning other animals, see Codes of Wakulla County, Florida.

Continue reading "Is There a Dog Leash Law in Wakulla County, Florida?" »

Dog owners or any other person harboring of having possession of a dog shall not permit the dog to go stray or run at large upon any public street, sidewalk, right of way or any other public property or private property of another.

Dogs on the premises of its owner shall be leashed and under the owners direct control. When a dog is loose and on its owner's property, the dog must be supervised by the owner or properly restrained by fencing or other means to the owner's property. "Supervised" means that is dog is at all times in its owner's unobstructed sight and the dog will respond to signals or commands of the owner.

Dog owners are also responsible for ensuring that their dog does not cause damage to the property of another individual.

Proper physical restraint of a dog in Hernando County, Florida means that the dog is leashed with a device not exceeding 6 feet in length and is accompanied by a responsible person.

In Hernando County, Florida, dog owners are liable regardless of knowledge, intent or culpability. To read more of the Dog Provisions see Code of Ordinances, Hernando County, Florida.

Hernando County is located in West Central Florida and includes the following cities: Brooksville, Herrnando Beach, Masaryktown, Ridge Manor, Spring Hill, and Weeki Wachee.

Continue reading "Is There a Dog Leash Law in Hernando County (Brooksville, Hernando Beach, and Spring Hill) Florida?" »

All dogs in Suwannee County, Florida in accordance with county ordinances shall wear a properly fitted collar with either (1) a current identification tag or (2) a current identification plate attached. The identification tag or plate shall contain the owner's name, address and telephone number, including the area code. An imbedded data-chip, tattoo, or some other form of identification may be used as an alternative to the identification tag or plate.

The owner of a dog defined as a "nuisance animal" under Section 14-32 of the Code of Ordinances of Suwannee, County, Florida has the duty to immediately abate the nuisance after official notice. "Nuisance animals" are animals that are permitted to run at large-animals of its owner property and not under restraint-and (1) habitually destroys or damages property other than its owners, (2) habitually lives out of garbage cans and scatter litter, (3) habitually chases motor vehicles or otherwise impedes the flow of traffic, (4) digs holes on property other than its owners, and (5) exhibits a tendency toward attacking, biting, mauling or otherwise injuring people or other animals. Letting your dog become a nuisance animal is a punishable offense in Suwannee County, Florida.

Suwannee County is located in North Central Florida and contains the following cities: Branford, Dowling Park, Live Oak, McAlpin, O'Brien, Three Rivers, and Wellborn.

Dog owners residing in Hillsborough County, Florida are required by law to keep their dog from going stray, or running or going at large upon any street, sidewalk, park or private property of another without that property owner's consent. Owners are defined as any person, owning, harboring, possessing or otherwise keeping or exercising direct control of a dog. Or, if the owner of the dog is an individual under the age of 18-years-old, the individual's parents or guardian will be deemed as the dog's owner. Dogs found at large can lawfully be captured and humanely confined. "At large" means a dog off the its owner's property and not under the restraint or the direct control of the owner or other responsible person.

In order for dogs to be allowed on public streets, roads, parks or other public property the dog must be under the direct control of its owner or keeper. "Direct Control" is defined under section 4-27of the Hillsborough County, Florida, Code of Ordinances as the immediate, continuous physical control of a dog at all times by means of a fence, leash, cord or chain of sufficient strength to restrain the dog.

Hillsborough County is located in West Central Florida and includes the following cities:
- Apollo Beach, Balm, Bealsville, Bloomingdale, Brandon, Carrollwood Village, Dover, Gibsonton, Lithia, Lutz, Mango, Orient Park, Plant City, Riverview, Ruskin, Seffner, Sun City Center, Tampa, Temple Terrace, Thonotosassa, Valrico, Wimauma, and Ybor City.