VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – The Volusia County Council on Tuesday approved an ordinance that would require some owners of dogs classified as dangerous to have higher insurance coverage.
The ordinance requires a minimum of $500,000 in liability coverage for dog owners 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,” a release reads.
According to the release, dogs may be classified as dangerous by Volusia County Animal Services after 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,” the release reads.
After a dog is classified as dangerous, its owner will need to meet certain requirements, including “obtaining a certificate of registration, ensuring secure confinement, posting warning signage, providing permanent identification, and maintaining the required liability insurance.”
If the owners do not meet these requirements, they will face a $500 fine per violation.
This ordinance is expected to take effect in the coming weeks.