Service dogs are some of the best canine companions you can have. Due to their training, service dogs can care for people who struggle with mental or physical disabilities. Most service dogs are trained to help with a specific task, and they tend to be protected under federal and state law.
That said, sometimes service dogs can be removed due to disputes, and there may be a penalty for that in Florida. Whether you’re a business owner who wants to know your rights or someone who has a service dog companion, this article is here to help. Read on to learn more about the penalty for refusing service dog in Florida.
What Is a Service Dog?
A service dog is a canine companion that’s assigned to a handler. Their purpose is to assist someone who struggles with a mental or physical disability. For a service dog to be protected under acts like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the service animal must be trained to assist with a specific disability.
Service dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and due to their protections, they tend to be allowed in most public and private spaces. In fact, acts like the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) even allow service dogs to board flights without extra fees and charges.
Due to these protections, there are usually penalties for refusing service dogs, and there may even be penalties for asking certain questions about the dog.
What Is the Penalty for Refusing Service Dog in Florida?
The penalty for refusing a service dog in Florida tends to come from federal guidelines outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). According to the guidelines, the first time a service dog is refused, without a legitimate reason, the fine is $75,000.
If the same business refuses a service dog again, the fine is doubled. Therefore, every subsequent refusal results in a $150,000 fine. For these reasons, businesses need to be careful when refusing service dogs, and people who have service dogs need to understand their rights.
Additional Penalties for Refusing Service Dog in Florida
Fines from the federal government aren’t the only penalties that businesses may have to pay when refusing a service dog in Florida. This is because service dog handlers can take legal action for damages, health issues, and much more. Learn more about some of the additional penalties below.
General Medical Expenses
Whether it’s the individual or the service animal, medical expenses may have to be paid. If a service animal or the handler is injured during the refusal or as a result of it, the business is often liable for these expenses. This extends to all types of medical expenses, and even some psychological ones.
Psychological Expenses
This is more common when someone has a psychiatric service dog, but if a service dog is refused and it leads to panic attacks or anxiety, individuals can often sue. What’s more, businesses may be liable to pay for additional therapy and treatment if the refusal results in long-term mental health problems.
In fact, if a seizure or something serious happens as a result of the refusal, even more medical expenses may need to be paid.
Lost Wages
This is more of an issue when it comes to someone’s job, but it can also happen if someone is harmed or unable to work after their service dog is refused. Ultimately, if there are any lost wages involved, businesses may be liable to pay them. Plus, this can extend for the duration that someone misses work.
Final Thoughts on Refusing Service Dog in Florida
The penalty for refusing service dog in Florida can either be expensive or non-existent, depending on the reason for refusal. What’s more, if a service dog isn’t properly trained or registered, you may enter a long legal battle and end up in a worse spot than you started.
For these reasons, we always recommend learning more about service dogs, how to register them, and much more with reputable resources like US Service Animals. Plus, there is a wealth of information available for business owners who don’t want to run the risk of refusing a service dog for the wrong reasons.
Veterinary Advisor & Health Expert
Anthony Brooks is the in-house Veterinary Advisor at Pet Paw Shack, offering expert advice on pet health, disease prevention, and general veterinary care. With years of experience as a licensed veterinarian, Anthony helps guide pet owners through essential topics like vaccinations, routine checkups, and emergency care. His commitment to keeping pets healthy ensures that Pet Paw Shack delivers trusted and accurate medical insights.
