Service Animal Bill Goes Into Effect – July 2020
Service animals have been a hot topic for associations. We can hardly make it through a board meeting without the subject coming up. Associations want to make sure people with disabilities have all the resources they need, but sometimes feel people are taking advantage of the system.
The issue surrounding service animals is that the guidelines/laws were confusing, or nonexistent. Associations were enacting policies and procedures but had a hard time enforcing them for fear that it may lead to legal reprisal. For years we have been asking state legislatures to provide us with better legislation, and we are happy to announce that they have acted.
SB 1084 took effect on July 1st. It lays out what rights associations and people with disabilities have in regard to service animals. It is far from perfect, but it is a step in the right direction.
We highly recommend that everyone reads the bill themselves. It can be found by clicking on the link below.
https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2020/1084/BillText/Filed/PDF