County Sets $500,000 Insurance Requirement for Owners of Dangerous Dogs

Posted On: May 12, 2025

As policymakers in Tallahassee consider setting a new insurance requirement for dangerous dog owners across the state, the Volusia County Council proactively adopted a tougher local standard that requires five times the proposed statewide amount.

On May 6, the Council approved an ordinance requiring a minimum of $500,000 in liability coverage for owners of dogs classified as dangerous in unincorporated areas, Pierson, and Oak Hill. By establishing a significantly higher threshold, the Council is reinforcing its commitment to public safety and positioning Volusia County as a statewide leader in responsible dog ownership. The move reflects a proactive effort to reduce risk and place greater accountability on those who choose to keep dogs with a documented history of aggression.

Volusia County Animal Services has jurisdictional authority in the unincorporated areas, as well as in the Town of Pierson and the City of Oak Hill, through interlocal agreements.

A dog may be classified as dangerous by Volusia County Animal Services following an investigation. This classification is based on behavior—not breed. A dog may be deemed dangerous if it has aggressively bitten or attacked a person without provocation, inflicted severe injury, killed or seriously injured another animal off its owner's property more than once, or approached a person in public in a menacing manner that threatens safety.

Once classified, the owner must meet strict requirements, including obtaining a certificate of registration, ensuring secure confinement, posting warning signage, providing permanent identification, and maintaining the required liability insurance. Owners who fail to comply with the ordinance—including the insurance mandate—are subject to a $500 civil fine per violation. Animal Control officers may also immediately impound the dog, and if the violation is not remedied within the legal timeframe, the dog may be humanely euthanized following proper notice or appeal. Additional enforcement measures may also be pursued under local and state law.

The County is processing the ordinance with the Florida Department of State, and it is expected to take effect in the coming weeks. Once effective, all owners of dogs classified as dangerous in unincorporated Volusia County, Pierson, and Oak Hill will be required to meet the updated insurance and registration requirements.