There’s a new law in Florida with teeth — and it’s aiming straight at irresponsible dog owners. HB 273, also known as The Pam Rock Act, was signed into law to hold negligent pet owners accountable and to protect the public from dogs with a violent history.
As Jonathan Perazzo, Miami Personal Injury Attorney at The Perazzo Law Firm, explains:
“Florida’s new dangerous dog law is called the Pam Rock Act. If a dog is legally labeled as dangerous, the owner must secure it, microchip it, and carry $100,000 in liability insurance. If they fail to do that — and the dog hurts someone — the dog can be removed or euthanized. This law was named after a postal worker who was killed by a pack of dogs last year.”
This isn’t just a slap on the wrist — it’s a legal leash meant to rein in repeat offenders before someone else gets hurt.
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Who Was Pam Rock — and Why This Law Matters
Pam Rock was a U.S. Postal Service worker delivering mail in a rural Florida neighborhood when a pack of aggressive dogs attacked and killed her in broad daylight. Her death sent shockwaves through the state, exposing gaps in Florida’s dog control laws.
The result? Lawmakers responded with HB 273 — a no-nonsense statute that holds owners of dangerous dogs to a much higher standard. This law isn’t just bark; it’s got serious bite.
Dog attacks can lead to serious and sometimes permanent injuries. The most common include puncture wounds, lacerations, infections, and nerve damage. In children, facial injuries are especially common due to their height, often resulting in deep scars or disfigurement. Adults may suffer injuries to hands and arms when trying to defend themselves.
Medical treatment depends on the severity. Minor bites are typically cleaned and treated with antibiotics, while deeper wounds may require stitches, plastic surgery, or even skin grafts. Rabies post-exposure shots may be necessary if the dog’s vaccination status is unknown. Infections like cellulitis or MRSA can develop quickly and become life-threatening if not addressed.
Beyond physical injuries, the emotional trauma is real. Many victims, especially children, experience long-term anxiety, nightmares, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following an attack. In more severe cases, victims may be left with permanent disfigurement, reduced mobility, or even amputations.
These consequences can deeply affect a person’s quality of life — physically, emotionally, and financially. That’s why dog bite victims are encouraged to speak with a Florida Injury Attorney in Miami like The Perazzo Law Firm to understand their rights and potential for compensation.
What the Pam Rock Act Requires
Under HB 273, any dog legally designated as “dangerous” by animal control or law enforcement triggers strict responsibilities for the owner:
- The dog must be secured at all times to prevent escape – This means the animal must be kept in a locked enclosure or on a strong leash under control — no exceptions, no excuses.
- The dog must be microchipped for identification – This ensures the dog can always be traced back to its owner and identified quickly in the event of an incident.
- The owner must carry at least $100,000 in liability insurance – This policy helps cover medical costs, damages, or legal claims if the dog causes injury or harm.
- If they fail to comply — and the dog injures or kills someone — authorities now have the power to remove or euthanize the animal – The law holds owners fully accountable, and failure to follow these rules can result in life-or-death consequences for the dog.
It’s a clear message: if your dog is dangerous, you better treat it like a loaded weapon — because that’s exactly how the law now sees it.
What This Means for Injury Victims
For victims of dog attacks, this law may open the door to stronger civil claims, especially when an owner fails to follow the new requirements.
At The Perazzo Law Firm, we’ve seen firsthand how life-altering dog bite injuries can be — from permanent scarring to emotional trauma. And when the system fails to protect the public, it’s often victims who pay the price.
That’s why having an experienced Florida Animal Attack Injury Attorney in Miami matters. We know how to uncover negligence, enforce the new laws, and fight for the compensation our clients deserve.
The Pam Rock Act is Florida’s way of saying enough is enough. Dangerous dogs and careless owners don’t get a free pass anymore.
If you or a loved one were injured in a dog attack, and you suspect the owner failed to meet their legal obligations under HB 273, it’s time to take action.
Call The Perazzo Law Firm at 888-PERAZZO — FREE Initial Consultation Available 24/7.
Florida Injury Attorney in Miami | The Perazzo Law Firm — Where Justice Is More Than Just a Word.
