TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A bill aimed at improving how Florida identifies and regulates dangerous dogs is one step closer to becoming law.
The “Pam Rock Act,” named after a mail carrier who was mauled to death in Putnam County in 2022, passed unanimously in the Florida Senate on Monday. The measure will now return to the House for a final vote after previous unanimous approval in that chamber.
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood traveled to Tallahassee to witness the Senate vote, joining family members of 8-year-old Michael Millet, a DeLand boy who was fatally attacked by dogs earlier this year. Both the Millet and Rock families have advocated for House Bill 593, which aims to hold dog owners more accountable.
Chitwood, who has supported the legislation since its early stages, said having an online database for dangerous dogs will be a critical tool for law enforcement and prosecutors.
“When law enforcement gets a hold of it, they will have it, and obviously, the State Attorney’s Office,” Chitwood said. “When you are looking to charge or pursue how you’re going to go about this, you can go back and see the history of this person.”
The bill would require that any dog suspected of seriously injuring or killing a person be immediately seized during an investigation. It also mandates that owners of dogs classified as dangerous obtain at least $100,000 in liability insurance. Microchipping dangerous dogs would become mandatory.
“You have to be responsible when you drive a car, you have to be responsible when you handle a firearm,” Chitwood said. “You have to be responsible in so many things in life, why should you not be responsible as a pet owner?”
Chitwood encouraged the public to report aggressive dogs to law enforcement, emphasizing the importance of documenting incidents through police reports.
In Orlando, some dog owners expressed support for the legislation.
“I think it’s important for dogs to have good owners who take care of them, leash them, give them good care, love, and training,” said one resident. “No one wants to be bitten by a dog.”
Another Orlando resident said the online database could help families stay safe.
“I’d definitely like to know if there are aggressive dogs or repeat offenders in our community,” the resident said. “Just so we know to stay away.”
The final version of the “Pam Rock Act” will now head back to the Florida House for a procedural vote before it can be sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis for his signature.
