Florida service dog laws
Fla. Stat. 413.08 is Florida's service animal law, and it covers public accommodations, employment and housing in one place. Handlers of trained service animals get full and equal access without extra fees, and the statute keeps emotional support animals separate by sending them to 760.27, so a psychiatric service dog is treated as a working animal under both state law and the ADA.
- Under 413.08(8), a trainer working with a service animal has the same access rights, and the same liability for damage, as a handler.
- Knowingly misrepresenting yourself as a service animal user or trainer is a second-degree misdemeanor plus 30 hours of community service within six months.
- In rentals, a landlord cannot charge extra for a service animal but may ask for proof that it meets vaccination requirements.
- The housing provisions of 413.08 apply to service animals only, and emotional support animals are handled under Fla. Stat. 760.27.
Source: Fla. Stat. 413.08
How a PSD letter differs from an ESA letter
Psychiatric service dog
Trained to perform specific tasks. Can go into stores, restaurants and the airplane cabin with you.
Emotional support animal
Helps through companionship, with no task training. Covered for housing only. See the Florida ESA letter.
How to get a PSD letter in Florida
Book a time
Choose a phone or video slot and tell us about your dog and the tasks it performs.
Talk with a clinician
A licensed clinician reviews your symptoms and how the dog's training helps you.
Your signed letter arrives
If approved, your signed letter is emailed as a PDF. If not, you are not charged.
Florida PSD letter cost
| Letter | Covers | Price |
|---|---|---|
| PSD letter | One or two dogs | $149 |
| PSD letter | 3 dogs | $229 |
Booking is free and you're charged only if your letter is approved.
Service dog housing rights in Florida
If a landlord refuses a service dog, ask for the decision in writing, then contact the Florida Commission on Human Relations or file a complaint with HUD.