Floridians can privately possess everything from alligators to zebras as long as they have a permit. In most cases, neighbors are not legally required to disclose what kind of pets they are housing.
“Exotic animals, like most animals, are curious and unpredictable,” says Dustyn Shroff, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s leading independent homeowners insurance agency.
This impulsive and characteristic behavior can lead to animals escaping and exploring their area, putting neighbors on high alert. Some recent cases include the following:
Last year a woman found her neighbor’s eight foot King Cobra coiled up and hissing under her clothes drier.
A Miami woman was recently attacked by a neighbor’s pet Lemur. The animal caused scratches and bites requiring stitches.
A two-year-old Florida child died after she was strangled by a pet python after it escaped from an aquarium in the home.
While these cases are rare, unfortunate incidents involving exotic pets do occur. News 6 reported, “More than 260 exotic snakes, monkeys, lions, tigers, bears and other captive animals have escaped in Florida over the past decade.” 
Keeping an exotic animal as a pet can pose a threat to your family and neighbors. Florida requires exotic pet owners to carry liability insurance for their animal. Some rare animals can cause injury, spread disease and damage Florida’s eco-system according to The Humane Society.
While dangerous behavior can be expected from a wild animal, what about the behavior of a domestic animal?
“Some communities require dog owners to purchase an umbrella insurance policy for their pet, in addition to the coverage included with their homeowners insurance if they own what is considered a dangerous breed,” says Buck with GreatFlorida Insurance.
Dangerous dog breeds include but are not limited to: Rottweiler’s, Pit Bulls and Chows. Unfortunately, aggressive classifications are based on the breed and not behavior history or socialization.
The Insurance Information Institute claims that dog bites account for one-third of all homeowner’s insurance liability claims. The average payout for a claim in 2015 was $37,214.
It is important to talk to your homeowners insurance agent to review if your pet is covered on your renters insurance or homeowners insurance, or if additional liability insurance such as an umbrella insurance policy is required.
Contact GreatFlorida Insurance if you have questions about homeowners insurance, renters insurance or umbrella insurance. We will make sure you and your pet are covered.
