Service dogs help disabled individuals with daily activities.
Many people with disabilities use service dogs. In Florida, there are service dog regulations and laws that protect both the animals serving as guides to the disabled persons and the disabled people using the service dogs. Florida has regulations for service dogs and handlers who are hearing, visually or physically impaired.
Disability Regulations
Florida service dog regulations define a disabled person as anyone who is hard of hearing or deaf, visually impaired or blind or physically disabled.
Service Dog
Florida regulations define a service dog as any dog trained to perform specific tasks for a disabled individual. A service dog in training fits under the definition of a service dog. A dog and its trainer will be subject to all Florida service dog regulations.
Public Privileges
Per Florida service dog regulations, service dogs and handlers are allowed access to all public places. A public place includes planes, trains, ships and any other public transportation. Public places also include hotels, motels, resorts and all lodging facilities. Included in public privileges are all and any public places in which the general public is invited and allowed.
There are exceptions to this regulation. If a service animal poses a threat to a public location or other people at the location, the handler may be asked to leave the premises with the service dog.
Verification
A person using a service dog should not have to provide documentation to any vendor or proprietor of a public place. An individual managing a public place may ask the handler if the dog is a service dog as well as inquire as to the benefits the dog provides to the disabled person.
Tags: service regulations, Florida service, public place, disabled person, dogs Florida, dogs handlers