The "Pam Rock Act" is a proposed bill aimed at strengthening regulations concerning dangerous dogs in Florida. It requires dog owners to securely confine their dogs in proper enclosures if they are aware of their dangerous tendencies. The bill revises definitions related to dangerous dogs and mandates the confiscation of dogs under investigation for dangerous behavior until the investigation concludes. Additionally, it imposes new responsibilities on dog owners, such as microchipping their dangerous dogs and obtaining liability insurance coverage of at least $100,000 for potential damages caused by their dogs.

The bill also outlines procedures for animal control authorities when handling dangerous dog incidents, including the necessity for hearings and notifications to dog owners about classifications and penalties. It increases penalties for violations from a maximum of $500 to $1,000 and reclassifies penalties for dog owners whose dangerous dogs attack from a misdemeanor to a more serious classification. Furthermore, it allows for the humane destruction of dogs classified as dangerous if they inflict severe injury on a human and exempts hunting dogs from certain regulations while engaged in legal activities. The act is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 593 Filed: 767.01, 767.10, 767.12, 767.135, 767.136
H 593 c1: 767.01, 767.10, 767.12, 767.135, 767.136