Welcome to Our Resources
Our resources page is your go-to destination for reliable information and valuable tools related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and service animals. We are committed to providing you with access to essential documents and websites that can help you understand your rights, responsibilities, and the support available to you.
Differences Between Florida Law and the ADA on Service Animals
ADA Regulations:
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service animal is defined as a dog (or in some cases, a miniature horse) that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. The ADA covers a wide range of disabilities, including physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, and other mental disabilities.
The key points of ADA regulations include:
Service animals must be allowed in all public areas where the public is permitted.
Businesses can ask two questions: (1) Is the animal required because of a disability? and (2) What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?
Documentation or proof of training cannot be required.
Service animals must be under control and should not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others.
For more details, visit the ADA Requirements: Service Animals.
Florida Law:
Florida's service animal laws are similar to the ADA with a few key differences:
Service Animals in Training: Florida law explicitly allows service animals in training to access public places when accompanied by a trainer. This provision is not explicitly covered under the ADA.
Penalties for Misrepresentation: Florida imposes criminal penalties for falsely claiming an animal is a service animal. This helps prevent abuse of service animal provisions.
Definition and Tasks: Florida law mirrors the ADA in defining service animals and the tasks they perform, which include guiding individuals who are visually impaired, alerting individuals who are deaf, pulling wheelchairs, assisting with mobility, and more.
For more information on Florida’s specific regulations, you can refer to Florida Statute 413.08.
Public Accommodations:
Both ADA and Florida law require public accommodations (restaurants, hotels, public transportation, etc.) to allow service animals. The key difference is Florida’s inclusion of service animals in training.
For a detailed comparison and more information, visit Disability Rights Florida and US Service Animals: Florida Law.
Theme Parks
Legoland Florida
Your comprehensive resource for ADA-related information, including training materials, FAQs, and legal updates.
Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World is committed to ensuring that all guests, including those with disabilities, have a magical experience. Their service animal policy provides clear guidelines and information to accommodate guests with service animals.
Universal Orlando
Universal Orlando is dedicated to providing an accessible and enjoyable experience for all guests, including those accompanied by service animals.
ADA Documents and Service Animal Resources
Explore the following resources to gain a deeper understanding of ADA regulations and how service animals can assist individuals in their daily lives. Each link offers comprehensive information and practical guidance:
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This document provides an overview of the ADA's requirements for service animals, including definitions and rules for public accommodations.
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Details on the rights of individuals with service animals using public transportation under the ADA.
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Guidelines on service animals in housing situations, addressing both public accommodations and private housing.
PDF Downloads
These documents and websites are carefully curated to provide you with the most accurate and helpful information available. Whether you're seeking to understand your rights under the ADA, looking for guidance on training a service animal, or connecting with supportive communities, our resources page is here to assist you.
Feel free to explore these links and empower yourself with the knowledge and tools you need. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us.
