On May 21, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a new law that directly affects dog owners throughout Florida, especially those in densely populated areas like Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties. Known as the Pam Rock Act, this legislation introduces new legal responsibilities for owners of dogs classified as dangerous—those that have severely injured or killed a person or pet, or aggressively threatened someone.

Named after Pamela Rock, a mail carrier tragically killed in 2022 by five dogs in Putnam County, this law takes effect on July 1, 2025, and imposes stiff penalties and strict insurance requirements to protect the public.

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Key Provisions of the Pam Rock Act

1. Mandatory Liability Insurance

Owners of dangerous dogs are now required to carry a minimum of $100,000 in liability insurance. This insurance will cover damages in the event the dog injures someone or causes serious harm.

2. Enhanced Animal Control Powers

Local animal control officers throughout South Florida—including cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Naples—will now have the authority to:

• Confiscate dogs involved in aggressive incidents.
• Require that owners show proof of rabies vaccinations.
• Humanely euthanize dogs that are surrendered and deemed dangerous.

3. Criminal and Civil Penalties

• Owners failing to meet the insurance requirement or other provisions may face up to $1,000 in fines per violation.
• If a dangerous dog kills or seriously injures a person, the owner may face a second-degree felony.
• Even if a dog hasn’t been formally declared dangerous, owners could face first-degree misdemeanor charges if they failed to restrain or control a threatening dog.

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South Florida’s High-Stakes Environment

Counties like Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Collier, and Monroe are particularly impacted due to their population density and active communities. The new law reinforces the need for vigilance among pet owners to ensure the safety of both neighbors and visitors in their homes.

For cities such as Coral Gables, Hialeah, Boca Raton, Fort Myers, and Key West, this law may result in increased inspections, insurance policy adjustments, and legal proceedings for non-compliant owners.

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Steps Dog Owners Must Take Immediately

1. Evaluate Your Dog’s Behavior
   Is your dog prone to aggression, chasing strangers, or has it ever caused injury? If so, it may be classified as dangerous under this law.
2. Purchase the Required Liability Insurance
   Contact a certified insurance agency to acquire a policy that meets or exceeds the $100,000 liability requirement.
3. Prepare Proper Enclosures
   Make sure your yard or containment area has visible warning signs and is escape-proof.
4. Microchip and Sterilize Your Dog
   Dogs must be microchipped and spayed/neutered under the new law.
5. Maintain Current Rabies Vaccinations
   You’ll need to provide proof of up-to-date rabies shots if requested by authorities.

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What This Means for Insurance Policies

Many standard homeowners or renters insurance policies do not automatically cover dog bite liabilities—especially if the breed is considered high-risk. Now, with the legal requirement, you’ll need to work with an insurance expert who understands the specific liabilities involved in pet ownership in Florida.

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Get Protected – Contact Samuel Bennett Today

Understanding the new law is only the first step. Ensuring you’re covered with the right insurance is crucial to avoiding fines, legal issues, and financial losses.

📞 Samuel Bennett
📧 Email: sam@islandinsurancegroup.com
🌐 Website: www.islandinsurancegroup.com

Samuel Bennett and his team at Island Insurance Group are well-versed in Florida’s evolving liability laws and can help you secure the right policy to comply with the new regulations and protect your family and property.

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Stay informed and act now—your safety, finances, and legal peace of mind depend on it.