Rottwriler Service Animal in a FL Rental

[Heather De La Cruz]

I typically require people to have renter's insurance with pet liability if the animal is an "aggressive" breed. I'm coming across someone who has a rottweiler service animal. In the state of Florida, my understanding is if you have less than 5 properties and it's owned personally, you are not subject to civil rights requirements since it's your personal property. I only have a duplex and my residential house. I actually have no problem with having a rottweiler living on the site. I just have a liability concern and want to require the tenants to have their own policy. I have a policy for my own pitbull and I registered him as a support animal because you never know.

Anyone else in the state of Florida come across this and how have you dealt with it?

[Nathan Gesner]

If Fair Housing does not apply, you can set limitations or expectations. This would include mandating insurance, restricting breeds, charging extra rent, etc.

You just need to verify you meet the requirements to avoid Fair Housing.