summary
Introduced
02/10/2025
02/10/2025
In Committee
02/20/2025
02/20/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
06/16/2025
06/16/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to dangerous dogs; providing a short title; amending s. 767.01, F.S.; requiring certain dog owners to securely confine their dogs in a proper enclosure; making technical changes; amending s. 767.10, F.S.; revising legislative findings relating to dangerous dogs; reordering and amending s. 767.11, F.S.; revising definitions; amending s. 767.12, F.S.; requiring, rather than authorizing, that dogs subject to certain dangerous dog investigations which have killed or bitten a human being to a certain severity be immediately confiscated, placed in quarantine if necessary, impounded, and held; requiring, rather than authorizing, that such dogs be held until the completion of certain actions; authorizing dogs that are the subject of multiple dangerous dog investigations to be immediately confiscated, placed in quarantine, impounded, and held; requiring that certain dogs not impounded with the animal control authority be confined in a proper enclosure by the owner; requiring the owner of a dog subject to a dangerous dog investigation to provide certain information to an animal control authority; requiring the owner of a dog classified as dangerous to obtain a certificate of registration for the dog from a certain animal control authority and renew the certification annually; authorizing an animal control authority to issue certain certificates of registration to certain persons if certain conditions have been met, including implantation of a microchip, spaying or neutering the dog, and obtaining limited liability insurance; requiring the owner of a dog classified as a dangerous dog to obtain dangerous dog liability insurance coverage and provide proof of such insurance to a certain animal control authority; providing requirements for such insurance; requiring and authorizing an animal control authority to humanely euthanize a dangerous dog under certain circumstances; requiring an animal shelter, a humane organization, or certain animal control agencies to provide specified information to potential adopters; revising the conditions under which an owner is authorized to exercise a dangerous dog; revising the civil penalty for violations; providing criminal penalties for persons who resist or obstruct an animal control authority; making technical changes; amending s. 767.13, F.S.; increasing a penalty; making technical changes; conforming provisions to changes made by the act; amending s. 767.135, F.S.; making technical changes; conforming provisions to changes made by the act; amending s. 767.136, F.S.; increasing a penalty for the owner of a dog that causes severe injury to, or the death of, a human; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill, known as the "Pam Rock Act," aims to strengthen regulations surrounding dangerous dogs in Florida by establishing more comprehensive requirements for dog owners and animal control authorities. The bill expands and clarifies the definition of a "dangerous dog," which now includes dogs that have aggressively bitten or attacked humans, severely injured domestic animals, or menacingly approached people in public spaces. Key provisions require owners of dangerous dogs to obtain a certificate of registration, microchip their dog, have the dog spayed or neutered, and secure liability insurance of at least $100,000. The bill mandates that dangerous dogs must be confined in a proper enclosure with clear warning signs and can only be outside this enclosure when muzzled and on a substantial leash. Animal control authorities are given expanded powers to investigate, confiscate, and potentially euthanize dogs deemed dangerous, with specific protocols for dogs that have caused severe injury or death. The bill also introduces stricter penalties for dog owners who fail to comply with these regulations, including potential criminal charges and fines up to $1,000 per violation. Additionally, the legislation provides clear guidelines for what constitutes provocation and when a dog might be exempt from dangerous dog classification, such as when protecting against an unjustified attack. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, giving local jurisdictions time to prepare for implementation.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance, Justice
Sponsors (2)
Other Sponsors (2)
Fiscal Policy (Senate), Judiciary (Senate)
Last Action
Laid on Table, companion bill(s) passed, see CS/HB 593 (Ch. 2025-61) (on 04/28/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
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