§ 6-29. Misrepresentation of use or training of service dog.

In accordance with F.S. § 413.08, a person who knowingly and willfully misrepresents herself or himself, through conduct or verbal or written notice, as using a service dog and being qualified to use a service dog or as a trainer of a service dog commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in F.S. §§ 775.082 or 775.083 and must perform thirty (30) hours of community service for an organization that serves individuals with disabilities, or for another entity or organization at the discretion of the court, to be completed in not more than six (6) months. Authorized personnel performing their duties required by the provisions of this article may ask if a purported service dog is required because of a disability and what work or task the dog has been trained to perform. Authorized personnel shall not require documentation, such as proof that the animal has been certified, trained, or licensed as a service dog. Generally, authorized personnel may not make these inquiries about a service dog when it is readily apparent that a service dog is trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability (e.g., the service dog is observed guiding an individual who is blind or has low vision, pulling a person's wheelchair, or providing assistance with stability or balance to an individual with an observable mobility disability). Nothing in this section shall apply to matters related to employment or housing as regulated by Florida and/or federal law.

(Ord. No. 2017-01 , 2-6-17)

Editor's note

Ord. No. 2017-01 set out provisions intended for use as § 6-34. To avoid duplication of section numbering, and at the editor's discretion, these provisions have been included as § 6-29.