Doggie Dining Law

On June 2, 2006, Governor Bush (Two day earlier, the Governor's dog a black lab died.) signed into law in Orlando Florida, "Doggie Dinning bill," (Law) took effect July 1, 2006, allows local governments to let restaurants permit dogs near the tables with their owners within an outside location. The legislation forbids discrimination by breed. The Florida legislatures passed this bill as a three year - pilot program, which was signed into law by the governor, and will be revisited to determine it's future status. The original sponsor of the bill is Representative Sheri McInvale of the Orlando district. In Europe, doggie dinning is common, such as in France, dogs routinely dine out with their masters. Prior to this 'doggie dining bill,' a debate began two years earlier, because Sam Snead's restaurant in downtown Orlando Florida, was ordered by the state to stop providing a menu full of doggie treats, owners could select. Otherwise, the restaurant owner would be fined up to $1,000 a day. Municipalities within the state of Florida can pass their own ordinance regarding "doggie dinning bill." Restaurants owners have the option to accept or decline participating or providing service outside for those that choose to bring their dog(s).

During the time, following the Governor Bush signing into law the 'doggie dining bill," municipalities in State of Florida began to deliberate and pass ordinances, permitting restaurants the option to accept and serve patrons that bring their dogs to an outside location.

In July 2006, The Tampa Florida City Council instructed their legal staff to create an ordinance that allows the option for patrons to bring their dogs to enter and stay in an outdoor section of the city's restaurants. The legal staff will draft an ordinance that will be reviewed on August 17 2006, at regular council meeting. Tampa restaurants will be required to get a permit to allow dogs. The cost for acquiring a permit has not yet been decided.