Florida Service Dog Requirements

• Written by: Lisa Jo Rudy, M.Div.
• Medically reviewed by: R. Y. Langham, PhD, MMFT

Service dogs in the State of Florida are covered by laws that align with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This means that you have the right to use a service dog in public places and only have to answer specific questions about your dog and disability. These rights can’t be denied, regardless of local jurisdiction laws or private business ownership rules. Anyone who uses a service dog in Florida is protected by these laws unless their service dog misbehaves in ways that threaten the health or safety of the people around them.

In this article:

• What qualifies as a service dog in Florida
• Identification and registration requirements for the State of Florida
• Leash requirements for service dogs
• Service dog behavior requirements
• Misrepresentation of a service dog
• Public accommodation for owners of service animals
• Safety of service animals in Florida

What Qualifies as a Service Dog in Florida

The ADA definition of a service dog is similar to Florida Statute 413.08, which defines a service animal as one that is “trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability.” These service dog tasks are essential for the quality of life of individuals with disabilities. For instance, a service dog may help retrieve a life-saving medication, guide the visually impaired, or help with mobility issues. 

In Florida, service dogs can be trained by either the handler with a qualifying disability or a professional canine trainer. There is no requirement for a service dog to be trained by a professional, and individuals can train their own dogs to meet the specific needs of their disability. 

It’s important to note that a service dog and an emotional support animal are not the same thing. Florida law, following federal guidelines, does not grant emotional support animals automatic access to public spaces, like restaurants, stores, or public transportation. Even if you have documentation, you may still be unable to bring your emotional support dog into a shop or restaurant.

Identification and Registration Requirements for the State of Florida

According to Florida Statute 413.08, documentation that a service animal is trained is not required. Although not mandatory, registration can allow for easier access when you have a corresponding ID card available. Accessories like ID cards, vests, and tags help staff members at the places you visit recognize your dog as a service dog, which can curtail intrusive questions before they start. 

To protect the service dog owner’s privacy, staff cannot inquire about the nature of the service animal’s owner’s disability. They may only ask two questions:

1. Is this a service animal required for a disability?
2. What task has the animal been trained to perform?

Neither business nor private entities may ask personal questions such as:

• Asking the owner to have the animals perform their assigned task as a demonstration.
• Asking the service dog owner to declare their specific disability. 
• Demanding documentation regarding registration or training.  

Leash Requirements for Service Dogs

Florida laws require that a service animal must be under the control of its owner at all times. The service animal must be properly outfitted with supplies such as a leash, harness, or tether. If a leash, harness, or tether interferes with the tasks the dog must perform, then the dog must be under the owner’s control at all times through the owner’s voice or signal commands. Violations can result in fines, with potential penalties ranging from $100 to $500 or more, depending on the specific location and number of offenses. 

Service Dog Behavior Requirements

Both ADA and Florida laws are explicit about their expectations for service dog behavior in public places:

• Service dogs can be removed or excluded from an area if the dog is out of control, is not properly housebroken, or poses a safety issue to the public. 
• Damage caused by the service animal is the responsibility of the service animal’s owner. 

A properly trained service dog should be able to pass a public access test and behave as a model citizen, regardless of the environment in which they’re. 

Misrepresentation of a Service Dog

The state of Florida considers the misrepresentation of a service dog a second-degree misdemeanor. If a person knowingly presents themselves, in writing, verbally, or through their actions, as having a service dog and does not qualify as such, they may be subject to prosecution. If found guilty, a person can face potential penalties of up to $500 in fines, up to 60 days in jail, and 30 hours of community service.

Public Accommodation for Owners of Service Animals

“Public accommodation” is a broad term and, in short, means that people with service animals are allowed anywhere the general public is also invited. For instance, hotels, public transportation, and resorts are examples of areas where service animals are allowed. In addition, service dog handlers in Florida have the following rights:

• Fear of animals or allergies is not a justifiable reason for the exclusion of a service animal. 
• If a service animal must be removed because it poses a threat, the service dog owner must be given the option of remaining without the service animal.
• A venue can’t charge a fee or deposit in order for a service dog handler to access their establishment. 

Any person who interferes with the rights of a service dog handler may be subject to a misdemeanor of the second degree in the state of Florida. Service dogs can also live in no-pet housing free of charge in Florida because of the Fair Housing Act rules. 

Many businesses and venues in Florida are known to be very service dog-friendly. For example, at Disney World and Universal Studios in Orlando, service dogs are welcome anywhere they can be accommodated. Special relief locations are available, making it easier to look after your dog while visiting. Some rides, however, are inaccessible for dogs, so it’s best to check their websites ahead of time.

Jacksonville is particularly service dog-friendly, offering a unique Florida Service Dogs program at Bethesda Park in Jacksonville, FL. The program focuses on training and providing service dogs to individuals with disabilities, with a special emphasis on rescue dogs and fostering owner-dog training partnerships. This program, which is part of the Jacksonville.gov initiative, allows clients to train their own dogs or participate in a foster training program, fostering a strong bond between the owner and the service animal. 

Safety of Service Animals in Florida

Florida goes the extra mile to protect its service animals, with laws against any interference or injury. These laws prohibit the obstruction, harm, or intimidation of a service animal by another person or an animal owned by that person. These actions are punishable as a misdemeanor in the first degree or a felony of the third degree, depending on the severity of the incident. 

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