Florida Service Dog Laws 2025

In Florida, service dog laws align with federal ADA guidelines while adding some state-specific protections. Whether you live in Miami, Orlando, or Tampa, it’s essential to know your rights as a service dog handler. Understanding the latest rules will ensure that your service dog can assist you without obstacles in public spaces, housing, and transportation.

What Is a Service Dog Under Florida Law?

In Florida, a service dog is defined by the ADA and state law as a dog trained to perform tasks that directly help a person with a disability. These tasks can include:

Guiding people with visual impairments.
Alerting someone with diabetes to low blood sugar.
Providing deep pressure therapy during anxiety attacks.

Unlike pets, service dogs are working animals trained to assist with disabilities. For more details, refer to the ADAservice animal guidelines.

Where Service Dogs Are Allowed in Florida

1. Public Spaces

Florida law, in line with the ADA, grants service dogs broad access to public spaces such as:

Hotels, restaurants, and cafes in Miami.
Theme parks and attractions in Orlando.
Shops and public transit across Tampa.

Businesses are allowed to ask only two questions:

Is the dog required because of a disability?
What tasks has the dog been trained to perform?

They cannot demand certification or documentation, and no breed restrictions apply. Businesses that refuse access may face legal consequences through Florida's Civil Rights Act.

2. Housing Protections (FHA)

The Fair Housing Act (FHA) ensures that landlords:

Cannot deny housing to individuals with service dogs, even if there is a "no pets" policy.
Must waive pet fees and deposits for service dogs.
May request verification from a healthcare professional if the disability is not readily apparent.

For more information on housing rights, refer to HUD's guide on assistance animals.

3. Air Travel with Service Dogs

Flying with a service dog in Florida, whether from Miami International Airport, Orlando International Airport, or Tampa International Airport, requires compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) rules.

Only service dogs (not emotional support animals) are permitted in the cabin.
Airlines may request behavior forms to ensure the dog is trained for public settings.

More details on air travel regulations are available through the DOT service animal FAQ.

Florida’s Penalties for Service Dog Fraud

Florida takes service dog fraud seriously. It is illegal to misrepresent an animal as a service dog. Under Florida Statute 413.08, violators may face:

Fines of up to $500 for a first offense.
Community service hours working with disability organizations.

These penalties are in place to protect individuals with disabilities from public skepticism and ensure service dogs are recognized as legitimate working animals.

Service Dog Training and Certification Requirements

Florida law follows the ADA guidelines, meaning:

Certification is not required for service dogs, and no government agency provides official registration.
Service dogs must be trained to perform specific tasks that assist with disabilities.
The dog must be under control at all times, either on a leash or under the handler’s command.

Handlers may choose to use ID cards or vests to minimize questions in public, but this is optional.

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) vs. Service Dogs in Florida

It is essential to note that emotional support animals (ESAs) are not considered service dogs under Florida law. ESAs can provide comfort but are not trained to perform specific tasks. While ESAs still have some protections under the Fair Housing Act, they do not have the same access rights to public spaces or transportation.

How to Handle Access Issues in Florida

If a business denies access to your service dog:

Politely inform them of your rights under Florida law and the ADA.
If access is still denied, file a complaint with the Florida Commission on Human Relations.
For housing issues, contact HUD directly through their complaint portal.

FAQs About Florida Service Dog Laws 2025

Q: Can service dogs go to theme parks in Florida, like Disney World?
A: Yes, service dogs are permitted at Disney World, Universal Studios, and other attractions. They must be well-behaved and under control at all times. Some attractions may not allow service dogs for safety reasons (e.g., rides with high speeds).

Q: Can a landlord charge a pet deposit for a service dog?
A: No, landlords cannot charge deposits or pet fees for service dogs under the Fair Housing Act.

Q: Are there breed restrictions for service dogs in Florida?
A: No, Florida does not impose breed restrictions for service dogs. Any dog, regardless of breed, can qualify as long as it is trained to perform tasks related to a disability.

Key Takeaways for Florida Service Dog Laws 2025

Service dogs are allowed in all public spaces, including restaurants, hotels, and theme parks.
Certification is not required, but dogs must be trained to perform tasks related to a disability.
Housing protections ensure service dogs can live in pet-free residences without extra fees.
Airlines only allow service dogs in the cabin under DOT rules—not emotional support animals.
Penalties for service dog fraud include fines and community service.

Stay Up-to-Date on Service Dog Laws
Service dog laws are subject to change. Stay informed by subscribing to our newsletter for updates and visiting the ADA’s official service animal guidelines.