A Florida man is suing a Central Florida airboat attraction after he said he was bitten in the face by an alligator during an animal encounter, according to a recently filed lawsuit.
Edil Kasenov, a Broward County resident, filed the negligence lawsuit against DCML Enterprises, LLC, which operates Airboat Rides at Midway in Christmas, Florida. The complaint was filed in Orange County Circuit Court on May 20, 2026.
According to court records obtained by USA TODAY, Kasenov visited the attraction on June 9, 2025, and participated in a free “Alligator Encounter” offered to visitors. During the experience, an alligator handed to him by an employee bit him in the face, the lawsuit alleges.
The complaint says the company failed to exercise reasonable care in handling the gator and did not adequately protect guests participating in the encounter. Kasenov is seeking damages exceeding $50,000 and has requested a jury trial.
USA TODAY contacted the attorneys representing Kasenov and Airboat Rides at Midway for additional comment, but did not immediately receive a response.
Lawsuit alleges negligence
Kasenov was a business invitee at the attraction when the incident occurred, per the complaint.
Employees handling the alligator were not properly trained or supervised, the lawsuit also alleges. Also, no warnings were given to visitors regarding the risks involved in the encounter, the complaint continues.
“There were no warnings, signs or other devices to warn or indicate the vicious nature of the subject alligator,” the lawsuit states.
During the incident, no measures were used to restrain the alligator or otherwise protect Kasenov, per the complaint.
Kasenov said he suffered serious bodily injuries and lasting damage, including pain and suffering, disability, physical impairment, disfigurement, mental anguish, inconvenience, lost wages and diminished enjoyment of life.
What’s Airboat Rides at Midway?
Airboat Rides at Midway is an attraction in Christmas, east of Orlando, that offers airboat tours on the St. Johns River and promotes animal encounters as part of the visitor experience.
According to the company’s website, guests can hold an alligator and take photographs during the complimentary Alligator Encounter offered after tours.
In a statement provided to Fox 35 Orlando, Airboat Rides at Midway disputed Kasenov’s claims, saying participants are instructed on how to hold the animals properly and are specifically warned not to place their faces near the alligators. The company also said alligator mouths are banded shut before being handed to guests and characterized the lawsuit as meritless.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com, or on X @athompsonUSAT
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Alligator bit visitor’s face at Florida airboat attraction, lawsuit says