When Dog Bites Become Felonies: What Florida Pet Owners Must Know About HB 593

As a criminal defense attorney who has handled serious dog-related charges throughout Florida, I’ve seen how fast a pet owner’s life can be turned upside down. One bite, one accusation, and suddenly you’re facing criminal charges—not just civil claims. Florida House Bill 593, known as the Pam Rock Act, has made that even more likely.

If you’ve been charged under this new law, the stakes are higher than ever. What was once a local ordinance violation or civil penalty can now become a felony offense under state law. That’s why having a private attorney who knows how to defend these cases is not a luxury—it’s essential.

Let me break down what this new law means, how it could affect your future, and how I can help you fight back.

HB 593 – The Pam Rock Act: What It Means for Florida Dog Owners

Florida House Bill 593, signed into law in 2023 and now in effect, was named in honor of Pam Rock, a postal worker who died after a dog attack in Putnam County. In response to that tragedy, lawmakers passed a measure that gives prosecutors broad power to bring felony charges against dog owners after a serious bite or attack.

Under Florida Statutes § 767.13, amended by HB 593:

"If a dog that has not been declared dangerous attacks and causes severe injury or death to a human, the owner may be charged with a third-degree felony."

"If a dog that has previously been declared dangerous attacks and causes severe injury or death, the owner may be charged with a second-degree felony."

Let’s be clear. This is not about whether the dog had bitten someone before. Under this law, even a first-time incident can lead to a felony charge if the injuries are severe enough. And that makes owning a dog in Florida carry far more legal responsibility than many people realize.

What Counts as “Severe Injury” Under HB 593?

The statute defines “severe injury” as:

“Any physical injury that results in broken bones, disfiguring lacerations requiring multiple sutures or cosmetic surgery, or injury that requires hospitalization.”

This broad definition means that what may seem like an accident or unfortunate event can quickly lead to prison-level consequences for a pet owner. If your dog knocks someone down, bites a child, or breaks skin during an altercation, you could be facing a third-degree felony—punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

If the dog had already been declared dangerous, the penalty increases to a second-degree felony, with up to 15 years in prison.

Other Related Florida Statutes You Need to Know

  • Florida Statutes § 767.12 – Covers the process for declaring a dog "dangerous" by animal control authorities, and what rules apply to owners once that label is in place.

  • Florida Statutes § 767.14 – Establishes criminal liability for failing to comply with restrictions placed on dangerous dogs.

  • Florida Statutes § 828.12 – Florida's animal cruelty statute, which may be added in cases where prosecutors allege neglect or recklessness related to dog confinement or control.

These laws work together to expand liability and increase the severity of punishment for dog attacks that were once only subject to civil lawsuits or fines.

Why You Need a Private Attorney if Charged Under HB 593

If you’re facing charges under HB 593, you are now dealing with a felony case, not just a local citation. This means:

  • You could go to prison

  • You’ll have a permanent felony record if convicted

  • You could lose the right to own animals

  • You may be subject to civil lawsuits

  • Your dog may be euthanized

As your Florida dog attack defense attorney, my role is to protect you from each of these outcomes. Public defenders may not have the time or resources to challenge the key legal and procedural issues that arise in these cases. I do.

Common Defenses in Florida Dangerous Dog Cases

Every case is different, but here are some defenses I’ve used successfully to get charges dropped or reduced:

Lack of Provable “Severe Injury”

Prosecutors must prove that the injury meets the legal definition of “severe.” If the wounds were minor, required no stitches, or involved a brief ER visit, we may argue that the felony charge is overreaching.

Provocation

Under Florida Statutes § 767.13(4), a dog owner is not liable if the victim provoked the dog. This includes entering private property without permission, teasing, hitting, or threatening the dog.

Lack of Control or Supervision

In some cases, it may be shown that another person was responsible for the dog at the time, or that the animal escaped due to another person’s negligence, not yours.

Procedural Errors

Many cities fail to follow the correct steps in designating dogs as dangerous or issuing notices to owners. If your dog was declared dangerous without proper hearing or documentation, we can file motions to suppress the classification.

Mistaken Identity

Dogs are often blamed when the exact cause of an injury is unclear. I've handled cases where the wrong dog was accused, or where the injury occurred before the alleged bite took place.

Real Case Example: Third-Degree Felony Dismissed in Broward County

A client was charged under HB 593 after his dog allegedly bit a neighbor during an altercation near a shared fence line. The neighbor required stitches to the hand and claimed the dog lunged through a gap in the fence. My client had no prior incidents with the animal and had never received a dangerous dog notice.

We immediately filed a motion demanding the City produce all relevant animal control records and body cam footage from the responding officer. The footage showed the neighbor reaching through the fence and agitating the dog.

We also brought in a veterinary behavior expert who testified that the dog’s actions were defensive. The State agreed to reduce the felony charge to a municipal ordinance violation with no conviction, no jail, and no euthanasia order.

That outcome would not have been possible without fast and aggressive legal work.

How I Approach Dog Attack Charges Under HB 593

When you hire me to defend you in a dangerous dog case, I don’t just look at the charge—I look at how the entire situation unfolded, from the alleged bite to the investigation and arrest. I request every piece of evidence the State has, including:

  • Animal control reports

  • Medical records

  • 911 audio

  • Body camera footage

  • Witness statements

  • Veterinarian records

  • Neighborhood complaints or property disputes

Then I analyze the case for every legal flaw, every overreach, and every possible alternative outcome. That’s how you protect your future.

Frequently Asked Questions – Florida Dog Attack Defense Attorney Explains HB 593

What is the Pam Rock Act and how does it affect Florida dog owners?

The Pam Rock Act, passed as HB 593, allows felony charges to be filed against dog owners if their pet causes severe injury or death—even if the dog has no history of aggression. This law went into effect in Florida in 2023 and significantly increases the criminal penalties for dog attacks.

Can I be charged with a felony even if my dog has never bitten anyone before?

Yes. Under HB 593, if your dog causes a “severe injury” or death, you can be charged with a third-degree felony even if there is no prior designation of the dog as dangerous. This is one of the most aggressive parts of the new law.

What happens if my dog was already declared dangerous before the incident?

If a dog that has already been designated as “dangerous” by animal control attacks and causes severe injury or death, the owner may be charged with a second-degree felony, which carries up to 15 years in prison. In such cases, the court may also order the dog to be euthanized.

Is there a defense if someone provoked the dog?

Yes. Florida law recognizes provocation as a valid defense. If the victim was trespassing, threatening the dog, or behaving in a way that would provoke a defensive response, we may be able to argue that you are not criminally liable under the statute.

Can I be sued in civil court even if I win the criminal case?

Yes. Criminal and civil cases are separate. Even if charges are dropped, the victim can still sue you for damages. That’s why I work to resolve the criminal case in a way that limits your civil liability as well.

Will I lose my right to own a dog if I’m convicted?

Possibly. In some felony cases involving dangerous dogs, the court can restrict your future ownership of animals. That’s another reason why it’s critical to fight the charges and prevent a conviction.

What if the city never told me my dog was considered dangerous?

If your dog had not been legally declared dangerous, the higher-level charges may not apply. I always check to see whether proper notice and hearings occurred before the designation. If not, we can challenge the State’s case.

Do I need a lawyer if it’s just a bite and not a death?

Absolutely. Even if there was no fatality, a bite that results in broken bones, surgery, or hospitalization can still trigger a third-degree felony charge under HB 593. These are serious charges that can affect your job, your family, and your freedom.

Can I get these charges reduced?

In many cases, yes. I’ve helped clients get dangerous dog charges reduced to municipal violations, civil infractions, or dismissed entirely. It depends on the evidence, the injury, and how the local government handled the case.

How do I protect my rights right after the incident?

Do not speak to law enforcement or animal control without legal representation. Anything you say could be used to support the charges. Call an attorney immediately and gather any available evidence, including video footage, witness names, and veterinary records.

Call a Florida Dog Attack Defense Attorney Before It’s Too Late

Contact Musca Law 24/7/365 at 1-888-484-5057 For Your FREE Consultation

Musca Law, P.A. has a team of experienced criminal defense attorneys dedicated to defending people charged with a criminal or traffic offense. We are available 24/7/365 at 1-888-484-5057 for your FREE consultation. We have over 35 office locations throughout all of the state of Florida and serve all counties in Florida including Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, Orlando, St. Petersburg, Hialeah, Port St. Lucie, Cape Coral, Tallahassee, Fort Lauderdale, and the Florida Panhandle.

If you’re facing charges under Florida’s dangerous dog laws or HB 593, don’t wait until it’s too late. The penalties are real. Let us fight to protect your future.