Fla. Stat. § 767.136: Attack or bite by unclassified dog that causes severe injury or death; penalties.

(1) If a dog that has not been declared dangerous attacks and causes severe injury to, or the death of, a human, and the owner of the dog had knowledge of the dog’s dangerous propensities, yet demonstrated a reckless disregard for such propensities under the circumstances, the owner of the dog commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

(2) If the dog attacks or bites a person who is engaged in or attempting to engage in a criminal activity at the time of the attack, the owner of the dog is not guilty of any crime under this section.

History.—s. 4, ch. 2016-16; s. 8, ch. 2025-61.