[HospitalCoder]

Originally Posted by DylanTodd

Hi Everyone,

I see many Village restaurants have signs posted that say 'service animals only' on their patios. Are there any restaurants that do allow dogs on their patio? Asking for a furry friend.

Cheers,

Dylan

Just remembered a couple of other restaurants that welcome dogs on the patio. TooJays, Cody’s, and Lighthouse Point, all at Lake Sumter Landing. It’s always best to call and make sure the policy hasn’t changed. Also, if you have a small enough dog, I highly recommend a pet stroller for your visit.

[Bilyclub]

Originally Posted by HospitalCoder

Just remembered a couple of other restaurants that welcome dogs on the patio. TooJays, Cody’s, and Lighthouse Point, all at Lake Sumter Landing. It’s always best to call and make sure the policy hasn’t changed. Also, if you have a small enough dog, I highly recommend a pet stroller for your visit.

Out of those 3 restaurants, only Cody's has the required permit. The other 2 are in violation of Florida Law unless they recently obtained a permit.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by Bilyclub

Out of those 3 restaurants, only Cody's has the required permit. The other 2 are in violation of Florida Law unless they recently obtained a permit.

Not exactly. It is very complicated. First, I don't think Florida issues any permits. They are issued by the City of Wildwood and they only apply to restaurants located in Wildwood. Other parts of The Villages do not issue permits. Second, The Florida law restrictions do not apply to "bars", only to restaurants. And, third, if the dog owner claims that their dog is a service animal, then any Florida law would be superseded by the Federal disability law regarding service animals. The Federal law allows owners of a service animal to go just about anywhere they want to, and there is no documentation required.

[HospitalCoder]

Originally Posted by Bilyclub

Out of those 3 restaurants, only Cody's has the required permit. The other 2 are in violation of Florida Law unless they recently obtained a permit.

It’s my understanding that Florida law allows dogs in all outside dining areas unless restricted by local ordinance.

[Altavia]

One of the things I love about France is dogs are allowed in finer restaurants but not children.

[Rsenholzi]

This person did not ask you whether you liked her bringing their dog. She asked which restaurants were dog friendly. It doesn’t matter why she wants to bring the dog. It could be because she doesn’t want to eat alone. It could be because she needs a dog to allow her to go out in public. It could be that she just wants the dog with her and not leave the dog home alone. For whatever reason , just answer the question and stop attacking her . If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all. People need to go back to what your parents taught you when you were kids. Be nice.

[Bilyclub]

Originally Posted by HospitalCoder

It’s my understanding that Florida law allows dogs in all outside dining areas unless restricted by local ordinance.

No, you have it backwards. Florida law bans pets from patios, but allows local ordinances that follow the state rules to issue permits.

FL - Restaurant - 509.233. Public food service establishment requirements; local exemption for dogs | Animal Legal & Historical Center

[Bilyclub]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

Not exactly. It is very complicated. First, I don't think Florida issues any permits. They are issued by the City of Wildwood and they only apply to restaurants located in Wildwood. Other parts of The Villages do not issue permits. Second, The Florida law restrictions do not apply to "bars", only to restaurants. And, third, if the dog owner claims that their dog is a service animal, then any Florida law would be superseded by the Federal disability law regarding service animals. The Federal law allows owners of a service animal to go just about anywhere they want to, and there is no documentation required.

Sumter County issues permits at LSL for dogs on patios. I have the list. If a location has a kitchen that prepares food it may have a bar, but it is considered a restaurant. Not many bars in TV, except for the drink shacks and the bar inside Sawgrass. Sure people lie and claim they have a service animal. Karma will catch up to them.



Your animal must be under your control. The animal must have a harness and leash (or other tether), unless your disability or the work your animal does prevents the use of these tools. In this situation, the animal must be under control through other means, such as voice commands or signals.

An establishment can't require you to provide documentation that your animal is trained, and it can't ask you about your disability. However, it can ask you whether your animal is a service animal required for your disability, and it can ask you about the work the animal has been trained to perform.

A public accommodation is not required to allow your service animal to remain if it poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others. If, for example, your service dog is growling and lunging at other patrons, and you are unable to stop the behavior, the dog might have to leave. An establishment can also exclude a service animal that isn't housebroken or is out of control.

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by Bilyclub

Sumter County issues permits at LSL for dogs on patios. I have the list. If a location has a kitchen that prepares food it may have a bar, but it is considered a restaurant. Not many bars in TV, except for the drink shacks and the bar inside Sawgrass. Sure people lie and claim they have a service animal. Karma will catch up to them.



Your animal must be under your control. The animal must have a harness and leash (or other tether), unless your disability or the work your animal does prevents the use of these tools. In this situation, the animal must be under control through other means, such as voice commands or signals.

An establishment can't require you to provide documentation that your animal is trained, and it can't ask you about your disability. However, it can ask you whether your animal is a service animal required for your disability, and it can ask you about the work the animal has been trained to perform.

A public accommodation is not required to allow your service animal to remain if it poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others. If, for example, your service dog is growling and lunging at other patrons, and you are unable to stop the behavior, the dog might have to leave. An establishment can also exclude a service animal that isn't housebroken or is out of control.

You are correct that Sumter County does address and allow permits for dogs within outdoor portions of public food establishments. I couldn't find a specific permit application form, so, apparently, the restaurant needs to send a letter to the County requesting a permit. I wonder if this ordinance is ever inspected or enforced by the County.

[Moderator]

The OP requested a list of restaurants allowing dogs. OP did not ask for opinions on whether or not dogs should be allowed at restaurants. All off-topic posts have been removed. Feel free to start your own discussion elsewhere concerning dogs at restaurants.

At this point, OP's question has been adequately answered. Thread closed.