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In May of 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis signed the Pam Rock Act into law. This new set of dangerous dog laws in Florida aims to hold dog owners accountable and keep communities safer. It adds new protections for neighbors, delivery workers, and anyone injured by a dangerous dog. On July 1, 2025, the Pam Rock Act will take effect.
Named after Pam Rock, a mail carrier tragically killed by a pack of dogs in 2022, this new law puts tougher rules in place for dogs that are officially declared “dangerous” by animal control authorities. It outlines strict requirements for owners, including mandatory liability insurance, registration, microchipping, and secure confinement, to help prevent future attacks and protect the public from serious injury and death.
Dog attacks are devastating for victims and their families. Navigating dangerous dog laws, like the Pam Rock Act, can be overwhelming without a trusted dog bite injury lawyer. At Bernheim Kelley, we’re your advocates and allies, always prioritizing your best interests with a personalized, trial-ready approach. If you need Real Justice, we’re here to help.
Dangerous Dog Laws Before the Pam Rock Act
Before the Pam Rock Act, Florida had laws addressing dangerous dogs, but these laws lacked impact. Under the old law, owners weren’t required to carry liability insurance, and decisions about whether a dangerous dog should be taken away or put down often varied by county. In many cases, shelters weren’t even required to tell adopters if a dog had a known history of aggression.
The new law changes that. It creates a clear, statewide standard so that serious incidents are taken seriously and handled consistently across Florida.
What Is the Pam Rock Act?
The Pam Rock Act passed the Florida Legislature with unanimous support. Its purpose is simple: to help prevent serious dog attacks and make neighborhoods safer.
This is not a breed-specific law. It focuses on a dog’s behavior, not its appearance or breed. Whether you own a Chihuahua or a Pitbull, what matters is how the dog acts, not what it looks like.
When Is a Dog Considered “Dangerous?”
Under the new law, a dog may be classified as “dangerous” if it:
- Bites or attacks a person without being provoked
- Causes severe injury (e.g., broken bones, multiple bites, injury requiring stitches or surgery)
- Menacingly chases or approaches someone in public, putting them in fear
- Kills or severely injures another domestic animal off its owner’s property more than once
If a complaint is filed and an investigation confirms the behavior, the dog may be declared “dangerous” by animal control authorities and the relevant dangerous dog laws will apply.
Can Anyone Report Aggressive Behavior?
YES. Both victims and witnesses can file complaints about aggressive or dangerous dog behavior with animal control. This ensures incidents don’t go unnoticed even if the targeted person doesn’t report it.
What About Barking or Threatening Behavior?
The law specifically addresses serious aggressive acts like biting, attacking, chasing or causing severe injury. Mere barking—even from a restrained dog—is generally not enough to classify a dog as dangerous. The behavior must place a person in fear through menacing pursuit or physical attack. Nervousness or feeling threatened by barking alone does not qualify.
What Happens if a Dog Is Labeled “Dangerous?”
If your dog is officially declared dangerous, the law requires you to take several important steps:
| Requirement | Explanation |
| Liability Insurance | You must carry at least $100,000 in liability coverage |
| Registration | Your dog must be registered with local authorities every year |
| Microchipping | Your dog must have a microchip for identification |
| Spay/Neuter | You must have your dog spayed or neutered |
| Secure Confinement | Your dog must be kept in a locked, secure enclosure or on a leash at all times |
| Disclosure | Shelters must disclose if a dog has a history of aggression before adoption |
Failing to follow these rules could result in fines up to $1,000, criminal charges, and the possibility of the dog being taken away or put down by authorities.
Does This Apply to All Dogs?
NO! The Pam Rock Act does not apply if your dog is not officially declared “dangerous” by animal control authorities. You are not required to carry the $100,000 insurance policy or follow the other requirements.
Even if you own a breed that is often labeled “aggressive,” including, but not limited to:
- Pitbulls
- German Shepherd
- Dobermans
- Rottweilers
This law does not affect you as long as your dog hasn’t bitten anyone, attacked another animal, or chased someone threateningly, and has not been officially declared dangerous.
What Should You Do if Your Dog Shows Aggressive Behavior?
If your dog bites someone or behaves aggressively in public, you should:
- Secure your dog immediately.
- Cooperate with animal control if an investigation begins.
- Consult a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.
- Talk to your insurance agent about liability coverage.
- Understand your obligations if your dog is officially declared “dangerous.”
Even a one-time incident can trigger an official complaint and review under the new law.
What if a Dog Attacks You?
The Pam Rock Act also offers stronger protection for victims of dog attacks in Florida. If you are bitten or seriously injured:
- Seek medical treatment.
- Report the incident to animal control or the sheriff’s office
- Document everything (injuries, location, dog owner’s contact info, witness statements, etc.)
- Speak with a Fort Lauderdale dog bite injury lawyer to explore your rights and possible compensation.
The law requires that dangerous dogs be insured, so victims are more likely to receive appropriate financial support for medical bills or trauma.
Why Choose Us?
When you’re facing one of the toughest moments of your life, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a trusted ally who will stand with you and fight for your rights.
Quick Reference Guide
| Scenario | Do you need insurance? | Must follow the law? |
| Dog has never bitten or attacked and is not labeled “dangerous” | No | No |
| Dog is a breed labeled as “aggressive” or “dangerous” by someone other than an animal control authority | No | No |
| Dog bit someone or caused injury and is labeled “dangerous” | Yes | Yes |
| Dog chased or scared someone in public and is labeled “dangerous” | Yes | Yes |
| You were injured in a dog attack | No, but you should report | No, but you have legal rights |
Frequently Asked Questions About the Pam Rock Act
Yes. Repeatedly killing or severely injuring domestic animals off your property can result in a dangerous dog classification.
Both victims and witnesses can report incidents to animal control.
No. The dog must exhibit threatening behavior, such as chasing or biting, that causes fear or injury.
No. Unless your dog is officially declared “dangerous” by an animal control authority, you don’t need the $100,000 policy. The law is based on behavior, not breed.
If the victim was trespassing, abusing the dog, or assaulting you, your dog likely won’t be classified as “dangerous”.
Severe injuries include broken bones, multiple bites, and disfigurement requiring stitches or surgery.
Yes. Even if you move, you must notify your new local animal control agency/authority and follow all legal requirements.
Animal control authorities are required to immediately take the dog away while the investigation takes place. If, during or after the investigation, you voluntarily surrender ownership of the dog to animal control authorities, and the bite meets the criteria (Level 5 or higher), the law mandates that the dog be put down.
NO. As the owner, you have the right to request a hearing before any dangerous dog classifications or decisions are made. If the classification or decision has already been made, it can be appealed in court.
Need Real Justice? Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers Can Help
If you have been injured by a dog, our experienced legal team at Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers is here to help you explore your rights and pursue compensation. We handle dog bite cases on a contingency basis—meaning no upfront fees. You don’t pay unless we win.
We are practiced in helping victims of dog attacks recover the compensation and confidence they need to move forward. To schedule a FREE consultation with our dedicated Fort Lauderdale dog bite injury lawyers, call 954-866-1111 or contact us online today.
If you are a dog owner seeking information about compliance with the Pam Rock Act, please visit the official Florida Senate site for the full text of the law and resources. We do not provide legal representation to dog owners regarding compliance.
Alexia Sivina & Antonio Rivera