Tampa Dog Bite Attorney

Under Florida Statutes section 767.04 (2026), a dog owner is strictly liable when the dog bites someone in a public place or lawfully on private property, even if the dog never showed aggression before. The owner’s liability can be reduced by the injured person’s own negligence, and a posted “Bad Dog” sign can limit it in some cases, but never for a child under the age of 6.

You’re enjoying a peaceful walk in your neighborhood when suddenly, an unleashed dog charges at you and viciously bites your leg. The pain is excruciating, and the fear is overwhelming. After this unexpected attack, you realize that you are not only left with physical scars but also emotional trauma and mounting medical bills.

If you’ve been the victim of a dog bite, trust our Tampa personal injury lawyers at Franchi Law to stand by your side. Our Tampa dog bite attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case, gather evidence to demonstrate the owner’s liability, and work to pursue the compensation you deserve after this traumatic event.

Why Choose Our Dog Bite Lawyers in Tampa to Represent Your Case?

• Franchi Law understands the physical and emotional trauma that comes with being a victim of a dog bite, and we will handle your case with care and sensitivity.
• Our firm will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the dog bite incident, gathering evidence to demonstrate the owner’s liability.
• We take all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that if we do not recover a settlement on your behalf, you will not be charged legal fees.

Dog Owner Liability in Tampa, Florida

In Florida, dog owners are held strictly liable for injuries caused by their pets. This means that if a dog bites someone in a public place or while the person is lawfully on private property, including the dog owner’s premises, the owner can be held responsible for the resulting damages through a lawsuit.

Florida Statutes §767.04. Dog owner’s liability for damages to persons bitten.

The owner of any dog that bites any person while such person is on or in a public place, or lawfully on or in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, is liable for damages suffered by persons bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owners’ knowledge of such viciousness.

Florida Statutes section 767.01 (2026) also makes a dog owner liable for any damage the dog does to a person.

Under section 767.04, a person is lawfully on the owner’s property when performing a duty imposed by state or federal law or postal regulations, or when there by the owner’s invitation, expressed or implied.

Limits on a Dog Owner’s Liability in Florida

Strict liability does not mean the owner is responsible in every situation. The statute contains two limits.

First, if the bitten person’s own negligence helped cause the bite, the owner’s liability is reduced by the percentage that negligence contributed to the incident.

Second, an owner who displayed an easily readable “Bad Dog” sign in a prominent place on the premises is generally not liable for a bite there. This exception does not apply when the person bitten is under the age of 6, or when the damages were caused by the owner’s own negligent act or omission.

Comparative fault can also affect a claim. Florida Statutes section 768.81 (2026) applies to negligence actions, which it defines to include claims based on strict liability. Under that section, damages are reduced by the injured person’s share of fault, and a person found more than 50 percent at fault for his or her own harm may not recover any damages.

How Long Do You Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in Florida?

Florida Statutes section 95.11(5)(a) (2026) sets a two-year deadline for an action founded on negligence. A 2023 Florida law, House Bill 837, shortened that deadline from four years to two years for claims arising after March 24, 2023.

In most cases, this means you have two years from the date of the bite to file a dog bite claim in Florida. A missed deadline can end a claim, so speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Tampa

The steps you take after a bite can protect both your health and your claim.

• Get medical care right away, even if the bite seems minor. Dog bites can become infected, and medical records document your injuries.
• Report the bite to Hillsborough County Animal Control at (813) 744-5660. This division of County Code Enforcement investigates animal bites throughout the county, including the City of Tampa. If rabies is a concern, the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County also accepts bite reports.
• Write down the owner’s name, address, and phone number, and a description of the dog.
• Photograph your injuries, torn clothing, and the scene, and keep photographing your wounds as they heal.
• Get names and contact information from anyone who saw the attack.
• Keep medical bills, receipts, records of missed work, and any messages with the owner or an insurer.
• Talk with a lawyer before giving a recorded statement to the dog owner’s insurance company.

Damages You May Be Able to Recover After a Dog Bite

The damages available depend on the facts of each case. Compensation commonly sought in Florida dog bite claims includes:

• Medical bills, including emergency care, surgery, and follow-up treatment
• The cost of future medical care, such as treatment for scars
• Lost wages if your injuries keep you from working
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress, such as fear or anxiety after the attack

Benefits of Hiring a Tampa Dog Bite Attorney

After a dog attack, pursuing a lawsuit can feel like an overwhelming challenge. That’s where a Tampa dog bite attorney from Franchi Law can step in. We are dedicated to helping dog bite victims in Tampa seek the justice and compensation they deserve. You can trust our firm to guide you through each step of your claim and protect your rights every step of the way.

When you work with a dog bite lawyer from Franchi Law, you can expect:

• Personalized, empathetic representation throughout the legal process
• Knowledge of Florida’s dog bite laws and statutes
• Experience navigating the legal system on behalf of dog bite victims
• Thorough investigation of the incident, including gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses
• Consultation with medical professionals to assess the extent of your injuries and future care needs
• Negotiation with insurance companies in pursuit of a fair settlement
• Litigation in court, if necessary, to protect your rights and interests
• Assistance with managing medical bills and coordinating care with healthcare providers
• Advocacy for your rights as a victim and for promoting responsible dog ownership in the community

Tampa Dog Bite FAQs

Is a dog owner always liable for a bite in Florida?

Not always. Florida Statutes section 767.04 (2026) makes the owner liable for a bite in a public place or where the person was lawfully on private property. Liability can be reduced by the bitten person’s own negligence, and a prominent “Bad Dog” sign can limit a claim unless the person bitten is under 6 or the owner was negligent. A person who was trespassing may not be able to rely on the statute.

How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Florida?

In most cases, you have two years from the date of the bite to file a claim (Florida Statutes section 95.11(5)(a) (2026)). Talk with a lawyer promptly so the deadline does not pass. Our article on how long a personal injury case takes to resolve explains what to expect once a claim is underway.

What if I was bitten on a neighbor’s property?

You may still have a claim. Under Florida Statutes section 767.04 (2026), an owner can be liable for a bite on the owner’s own property if you were there lawfully, including by the owner’s invitation, expressed or implied. A posted “Bad Dog” sign may limit the claim unless the person bitten was under 6 or the neighbor’s own negligence caused the injury.

Contact Our Dog Bite Attorneys in Tampa and Begin Your Legal Journey

Dog bites can cause severe physical and emotional trauma, leaving victims with mounting medical bills and a long road to recovery. If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Tampa, Franchi Law can fight for the compensation you need to heal and move forward. Contact our dog bite attorneys in Tampa today at (813) 800-4529 to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you hold negligent dog owners accountable.