Florida law holds dog owners strictly liable when their animals bite or attack someone. In St. Augustine, with its walkable historic streets, public parks, beaches, and dog-friendly businesses, these incidents are common. Victims often face serious injuries, expensive medical care, and emotional trauma.
At St. Johns Law Group, our attorneys — including personal injury lawyer Josh Saxon — represent victims of dog bites and animal attacks across St. Johns County, Ponte Vedra, Palm Coast, Jacksonville, and Northeast Florida. As St. Augustine’s largest law firm, with 12 attorneys and over 250 years of combined legal experience, we have the resources and local insight to protect your rights.
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Strict Liability: Under Florida Statute § 767.04, dog owners are liable for bites that cause injuries, regardless of whether the dog previously showed aggression.
Comparative Negligence: If a victim provoked the animal or was trespassing, compensation may be reduced under Florida’s Comparative Negligence Law.
Leash Laws & Local Ordinances: St. Johns County and St. Augustine Beach have leash rules that strengthen victim claims when owners ignore them.
Deep lacerations and puncture wounds
Infections requiring IV antibiotics
Nerve and muscle damage
Facial scarring and disfigurement
Psychological trauma, including PTSD
Wrongful death (in rare but severe cases)
Our attorneys pursue damages for:
Emergency medical care and hospitalization
Reconstructive or cosmetic surgery
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
Long-term counseling for trauma
Wrongful death damages for families
Josh Saxon — trial-tested injury lawyer representing dog bite victims across St. Johns County and Northeast Florida. You talk directly to Josh.
Largest law firm in St. Augustine with 12+ attorneys covering personal injury and related matters
No Recovery, No Fee – you pay nothing unless we win
Local Knowledge – familiar with St. Augustine’s leash laws, animal ordinances, and courts
Dedicated & Responsive Service® – compassionate representation from start to finish
We represent dog bite and animal attack victims in:
St. Augustine (Historic District, Lincolnville, Anastasia Island, Davis Shores)
St. Augustine Beach & Vilano Beach
Ponte Vedra & Nocatee
Palm Coast & Flagler County
Jacksonville & Duval County
Clay & Putnam Counties
Southern Georgia
Q1: Do I need to prove a dog was dangerous to recover damages?
No. Florida’s strict liability law makes owners responsible even if the dog never bit anyone before.
Q2: What if the owner claims I provoked the dog?
Compensation may be reduced, but you can still recover under Florida’s comparative negligence law.
Q3: Can landlords be held responsible?
Yes. In some cases, property owners or landlords who knew about a dangerous animal may share liability.
Q4: Should I report a dog bite in St. Johns County?
Yes. Report to Animal Control and law enforcement to document the attack and prevent future incidents.
Q5: How long do I have to file a claim?
Florida law generally allows 2 years from the date of the attack.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog bite or animal attack, you don’t have to face medical bills, lost wages, and insurance companies alone. The attorneys at St. Johns Law Group, including Josh Saxon, are ready to fight for you.
📞 Call (904) 495-0400 today for a free consultation.
At St. Johns Law Group, we deliver the Dedicated & Responsive Service® you deserve.