“Justice is more just with a lawyer you can trust”

Get Legal Help Now

Dog Bite Laws in St. Lucie and Martin Counties: What You Need to Know

Jan 19, 2026 | Dog Bites and Animal Attacks

Dog bites are often sudden, traumatic, and medically serious — especially when they involve children or the elderly. In St. Lucie and Martin counties, dog bite victims have strong legal rights thanks to Florida’s strict liability laws. Whether the attack happened in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Stuart, or a nearby community, the law generally favors victims over dog owners.

At Cushnie Law Group, we understand how devastating these incidents can be. We also know how to hold negligent dog owners accountable. If you’ve been bitten by a dog — even if you think the injury is “minor” — it’s critical to understand how Florida law works and what steps you need to take.

Florida’s Dog Bite Law: Strict Liability

Florida is a strict liability state when it comes to dog bites. That means:

The dog’s owner is liable for injuries even if the dog has never bitten anyone before.

Unlike some other states that follow a “one-bite” rule, Florida places full responsibility on the owner regardless of whether they knew the dog was dangerous.

Florida Statute § 767.04:

“The owner of any dog that bites a person… is liable for damages suffered by persons bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owners’ knowledge of such viciousness.”

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Dog Bite Case?

1. Dog Owner

  • Always the primary liable party under Florida law.

2. Property Owner or Landlord

  • May be held liable if they allowed a known dangerous dog to remain on their property.

3. Caregiver or Walker

  • In some cases, a person temporarily responsible for the dog may share liability.

In St. Lucie and Martin counties, liability is typically pursued against the homeowner’s insurance policy if the bite happened on the dog owner’s property.

Where Do Dog Bites Most Often Occur?

Most dog bites happen in familiar, everyday settings:

  • In the dog owner’s home

  • In residential neighborhoods (like Tradition or Palm City)

  • At public parks or beaches

  • On sidewalks or trails

  • In apartment complexes with shared outdoor areas

Even if the bite happened while walking past a dog on a leash, you may still be entitled to compensation if the dog lunged or attacked without provocation.

Common Injuries Caused by Dog Bites

Dog bite injuries are more than just surface wounds. They can lead to lasting trauma, infection, and disfigurement. At Cushnie Law Group, we’ve helped clients recover for:

  • Deep puncture wounds

  • Torn ligaments or tendons

  • Facial injuries

  • Infections (e.g., tetanus, rabies, cellulitis)

  • Nerve damage

  • Emotional distress, PTSD, or anxiety

  • Scarring and permanent disfigurement

Children are particularly vulnerable to facial and neck injuries due to their size and proximity to aggressive dogs.

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Port St. Lucie or Stuart

If you or someone you love is bitten by a dog:

  1. Get medical attention immediately

    • Even minor-looking wounds can develop serious infections

  2. Report the incident to local animal control

    • In St. Lucie County, call St. Lucie County Animal Safety (772-462-8120)

    • In Martin County, contact Martin County Animal Services (772-463-3211)

  3. Document everything

    • Take photos of injuries, the location, and the dog (if possible)

    • Get the dog owner’s name and contact info

    • Ask for proof of the dog’s rabies vaccination

  4. Contact a personal injury attorney

    • An experienced lawyer can help protect your rights and file a claim for compensation

Can You Still Sue if the Dog Didn’t Bite You?

Yes. Florida law allows claims for dog-related injuries, not just bites. For example:

  • If a dog knocks you down

  • If you’re injured trying to escape an aggressive dog

  • If your child is emotionally traumatized by an attack

In each of these cases, the dog’s owner may still be liable for your injuries under negligence or premises liability.

How Much Is a Dog Bite Case Worth in Florida?

Every case is different, but compensation often includes:

  • Medical bills (ER visits, stitches, surgery)

  • Lost wages or work time

  • Pain and suffering

  • Emotional distress

  • Plastic surgery or reconstructive procedures

  • Permanent disability or disfigurement

  • Loss of quality of life

Dog bite claims can range from a few thousand dollars to six-figure settlements, especially when the injuries are severe or the victim is a child.

What If the Bite Happened on the Owner’s Property?

Under Florida law, a dog owner can sometimes defend themselves by claiming you were trespassing or provoked the dog.

However, these defenses rarely hold up when:

  • The victim was a guest or had permission to be on the property

  • The victim was a child under 6 (who cannot legally provoke a dog)

  • There were no warning signs posted or the dog was known to be aggressive

An experienced lawyer can dismantle these defenses and prove liability.

Time Limit to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Florida

As of recent changes to Florida law, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims (including dog bites) is now 2 years from the date of the incident.

Waiting too long may prevent you from seeking compensation — even if your injuries are severe.

Cushnie Law Group: Dog Bite Lawyers Serving the Treasure Coast

Located in Port St. Lucie, Cushnie Law Group serves clients across St. Lucie County, Martin County, and the surrounding communities. We handle dog bite cases in:

  • Port St. Lucie

  • Fort Pierce

  • Tradition

  • Jensen Beach

  • Stuart

  • Palm City

  • Hutchinson Island

We’re committed to holding negligent dog owners accountable and securing the compensation you deserve. Our team understands how dog attacks affect victims physically and emotionally, and we fight to ensure you’re not stuck paying the price for someone else’s irresponsibility.

Schedule a Free Consultation Today

If you or a loved one has been bitten or injured by a dog in St. Lucie or Martin County, don’t wait. The sooner you act, the stronger your case can be.

📞 Call: (772) 335-9219
🌐 Visit: www.cushnielaw.com

Justice is more just with a lawyer you can trust.

FAQs About Florida Dog Bite Law

Can I sue if the dog didn’t bite me but injured me?
Yes. If a dog caused you to fall, trip, or panic, the owner may still be liable.

What if the dog owner says it was my fault?
Unless you provoked the dog or trespassed, strict liability usually applies. Speak with an attorney.

Do dog bite claims go to court?
Most are settled out of court with insurance companies — but Cushnie Law Group is ready to litigate if needed.

Will the dog be put down if I file a claim?
Not necessarily. Filing a claim is about seeking compensation, not punishing the dog.

Can I file a claim if my child was bitten?
Yes, and in fact, the law is even more protective of children under 6.

How long do I have to file a claim in Florida?
The statute of limitations is 2 years from the date of the dog bite or injury.