Florida’s new “Pam Rock Act” is poised to reshape the way the state handles ownership of dangerous dogs, and insurers should take note. The law, unanimously passed by the Legislature and set to take effect July 1, 2025, imposes new responsibilities on dog owners, including a first-of-its-kind requirement: maintaining at least $100,000 in liability insurance coverage.
The legislation is named after a postal worker who was fatally mauled in 2022, and it reflects growing concern over serious dog attacks that have led to severe injury or death. In addition to the insurance requirement, the law mandates that dangerous dogs be spayed or neutered, microchipped, and properly confined. In the event of a serious incident, dogs must be impounded during any resulting investigation. These provisions are intended to prioritize public safety while pushing owners to take active, ongoing responsibility for the risks their pets may pose.
From an insurance perspective, this development carries real implications. Until now, coverage for dog-related incidents has typically been addressed - sometimes quietly - through homeowners or renters policies, often subject to breed exclusions or liability caps. This law now creates a clear, standalone obligation to carry specific coverage when a dog is designated as dangerous. Insurers will need to evaluate how to offer and price this coverage, particularly in a market already under strain in Florida. Questions about underwriting standards, exclusions, and compliance verification will likely follow.
There is also a downstream effect on the litigation landscape. With liability coverage now required, plaintiffs’ counsel may see increased opportunity, and policyholders may face greater exposure to formal claims and litigation if they are non-compliant. On the other hand, for responsible owners and insurers alike, the new law could bring a welcome level of clarity and structure to a frequently messy area of liability law.
With the enactment of the Pam Rock Act, the message is clear: ownership of a dangerous dog in Florida now comes with formal financial accountability. For those in the insurance industry, this could be a moment to evaluate product offerings, educate insureds, and stay ahead of enforcement developments in what may become a new area of focus in both underwriting and claims.
