A bill introduced in the Florida House last week would prohibit all non-service animals from entering a place of business including retail, restaurants and bars. Show An Orlando lawmaker introduced a bill in the Florida House last week that would prohibit all nonservice animals from entering a public food service establishment or place of business. Last year, First Coast Brews told you about a bill introduced by state Rep. Anthony Sabatini (R) that would have allowed dogs in breweries and bars. However, the bill died at the committee level last session. A new bill, HB 243, was filed by Rep. Bruce Antone (D) in September of 2019 and if passed would take effect on July 1, 2020. The proposed legislation bans animals in places of business and defines a business as a "retail establishment, restaurant, bar, lounge, or any other similar place of business where the public assemblies." On Your Side has reached out to Antone's office for a statement about his proposed law and have not yet heard back. HB 243 would also outline the regulations necessary for enforcing a ban on animals, including the creation of a compliant database with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation and mandatory signage posted at each entrance. Upon a first offense, the business would be issued a warning but a second offense could cost the business a fine of $100. Violate a third time? You would be required to complete 30 hours of community service. "(HB 243) ... is a bill that I don't think is going to move or have success in the House and I'm totally against it," Sabatini remarked when asked about HB 243. "I don't care if a property owner wants dogs or cats or don't want dogs or cats...for me, it's all about the property owner and if it's a brewer, if that's what they want, that's what they should get." Sabatini filed a Beverage Law bill (HB 583) for the 2020 session that's similar to the one he filed last year, but this one doesn't include language that would allow dogs inside breweries and restaurants. However, Sabatini says the issue could be added later on as session continues and bills begin merging. Back in August of 2018, several Jacksonville breweries and bars were abruptly served a letter from the health department that outlined the health code rule that bans dogs inside the establishment. The letter stated that because code 64E-11 defines food as an iced beverage, dogs could not be inside the same building where ice was present. The regulation had always been there but had largely gone unenforced amidst the rise of taprooms and breweries along the First Coast. It was the abruptness of it all that rubbed many business owners the wrong way. Green Room Brewing, located in Jacksonville Beach, posted the letter on its Facebook page with the following message: “We hate to bring this news to our friends and customers but the Florida Department of Health has decided that beer is food so dogs are not allowed in breweries including ours. We vehemently disagree with this decision and ask for your help in letting both the Department of Health and your State Representative know that people care about this situation and demand they change their decision or change the law" Green Room reached out to the Florida Brewers Guild and even started a petition on Change.org, with other local breweries, in hopes to get the law changed. The petition has since received 43,369 signatures. By Saundra Amrhein When visiting Florida, there’s no better way to enjoy the tropical breezes and fascinating people-watching than by dining al fresco. And if traveling with pets, why leave them out of the fun? Dog-friendly outdoor restaurants, bars and craft beer pubs abound throughout the state, some offering “yappy hour” canine-friendly designated times, others with an open-door doggie policy around the clock. So
when you’re dog tired after a day at the dog beaches and
dog parks, when there’s no more pampering to be had at the
pet-friendly hotels and resorts, relax outside with a beverage or meal with your best friend at your side.
Sit and eat with your pooch in Winter Park, where dogs are welcome. - Julie Fletcher for VISIT FLORIDA Here’s a list of some great options: Tampa / St. PetersburgThe Tampa Bay area, rapidly becoming a favorite destination for foodies and craft beer lovers, also is big for dog lovers. At Hyde Park Village on Swann Avenue in Tampa, most shops allow well-behaved, leashed dogs inside, and they even put out water bowls and treats. Many of the restaurants also open their patios to dogs, including the popular Wine Exchange, Timpano Italian Chophouse, and Irish 31 Pub House & Eatery. Across the bay in St. Petersburg’s booming restaurant scene, amid its many sidewalk cafes and eateries, lots of shop owners and establishments welcome dogs with their diners at outdoor patios and put out water bowls for them. Among them, Bella Brava on Beach Drive has a full patio open to canine companions, and servers are known to dish out water bowls and dog bones along with the Italian fare and seafood. Likewise, down the road Ceviche Tapas Bar & Restaurant is equally welcoming to dogs at their outdoor sidewalk tables. Along with many others, Lucky Dill Deli over on Central Avenue has outdoor seating that’s completely dog friendly.
Dog-friendly outdoor restaurants, bars and craft beer pubs can be found throughout the Sunshine State. - Julie Fletcher for VISIT FLORIDA OrlandoNo longer known just for its theme parks, Orlando has also become a foodie destination, and many of its restaurants lay out the welcome mat for pooches. Teak Neighborhood Grill at 6400 Times Square Avenue offers everything from hand-crafted burgers to intimate dinners and a wide selection of craft beers – all while welcoming you and your dog at their outdoor seating area. Or try K Restaurant & Wine Bar, which, along with lunch, dinner and wine menus, offers a dog-friendly environment at its sidewalk tables. The Orlando Cat Cafe, a cozy coffeehouse, is a must-stop for all things furry, but especially cats, which are available for adoption. NaplesThis city in southwest Florida has numerous outdoor cafes, bars and restaurants that welcome pets, in addition to stores that cater to upscale pet accessories, clothing and food. A popular place among locals and visitors is M Waterfront Grille, which offers expansive bay views, waterfront tables, fine dining, live entertainment and a welcome mat to furry friends on its verandah. Or try a taste of Spain, Greece, Italy and Morocco at the new Mediterrano on 13th Avenue with Fido at your side at outdoor tables. MiamiThis city, with its legions of posh puppy designer doggie clothing lines, hip bulldogs on skateboards, grooming spas and pet boutiques, has no shortage of outdoor restaurants that go above and beyond your typical dog-friendly eateries. The pedestrian-friendly shopping area of Lincoln Road is a great place to pull up a chair with your canine companion to watch people and their designer dogs. One of numerous dog-friendly establishments is the outdoor patio of the sleek Meat Market steakhouse and lounge. Another is the outdoor patio of the popular GreenStreet Café in Coconut Grove, where servers greet regulars – including the dogs – by their names. At Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink in Miami’s Design District, a James Beard-nominated chef may serve your dog organic doggie biscuits in the courtyard. Bayside Marketplace has a number of waterside dining spots that will welcome Fido, and leashed dogs are welcome throughout the center. SebringSebring Soda & Ice Cream Works is pet-friendly snack shop in the heart of downtown with 300+ flavors & brands of craft bottled sodas from around the world, homemade style ice cream, gourmet hot dogs and old-fashioned candy. Besides the offerings for humans, they offer pup cups for pets, which is dog/cat-friendly ice cream for your furry friend. And, they always have a water bowl available for your pet, and outdoor/sidewalk seating. Faded Bistro & Beer Garden, and open-air neighborhood hangout featuring seasonal ingredients in their human offers, also welcomes your best friends.
Dog-Friendly PlacesForget the biscuits – your best friend wants a vacation as badly as you do. Are emotional support dogs allowed in restaurants in Florida?By Lisa Guerin, J.D. Under Florida law and the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), people with disabilities may bring their service animals to all "public accommodations," such as restaurants, museums, hotels, and stores.
Can I take my dog into stores in Florida?If you live to shop, you'll be happy to know that many high-end boutiques and major retailers in Florida welcome well-behaved pets in their stores.
Why are pets not allowed in restaurants?One is due to concerns for people with asthma or allergies, which are often exacerbated by dog and cat dander, fur, and slobber. Another reason is to prevent food servers from handling an animal and not washing their hands before continuing to serve food.
Can a dog be in a restaurant kitchen?Typically, dogs are not allowed in restaurants unless they are service animals, which are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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Are pets allowed in restaurants in Florida?
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