Florida Appeals Court Reverses $8.1 Million Judgment Against Busch Gardens in Premises Liability Case
Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal has reversed an $8.1 million judgment against SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment LLC, operating as Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The case stemmed from a premises liability incident during the park's Howl-O-Scream event, where a minor was injured after entering a performance stage and climbing onto a professional circus trampoline. The appellate court sided with Busch Gardens, which argued that the minor's status as a business invitee changed once he entered areas not intended for park guests. Consequently, the court concluded that Busch Gardens had not breached its duty of care under the specific circumstances of the incident. The original jury had awarded over $8.1 million in damages, along with attorney's fees and costs, which have now been reversed. The case has been remanded with instructions to enter judgment in favor of Busch Gardens.
