A Florida man is suing an airboat company after he claimed a free “alligator encounter” experience ended with one of the snappy reptiles biting his face.
Edil Kasenov, of Broward County, visited Airboat Rides at Midway, about 30 miles east of Orlando, in June 2025 and participated in a free “Alligator Encounter” that the business offered guests, according to a lawsuit obtained by WKMG News 6.
Kasenov would later pay the price after the alligator bit him in the face during the encounter, the lawsuit claims.
He is now accusing the business of negligence, claiming to have suffered serious bodily injuries. He is seeking damages of over $50,000.
His injuries have caused “pain and suffering, disability, physical impairment, disfigurement, mental anguish, loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life, loss of wages and expense of hospitalization, medical and nursing care treatment,” among other impediments, according to the suit.
open image in galleryThe lawsuit accuses Airboat Rides at Midway of failing to properly train employees and warn Kasenov of the “dangerous and hazardous condition” of the alligator encounter.
“There were no warnings, signs or other devices to warn or indicate the vicious nature of the subject alligator. Additionally, there were no measures used by Defendant to restrain the alligator or otherwise protect the Plaintiff,” the lawsuit claims.
The website for Airboat Rides at Midway notes that all of its airboat captains are U.S. Coast Guard Master Captains.
In an FAQ section, the company also notes that its animals can bite.
“We don’t tape their mouths closed. They still have their bottom jaws, so DON’T stick your hand or face in or around their heads. When you hold the alligators, we do put a band around their mouths to prevent any bites,” the FAQ reads.
open image in galleryIn a statement to The Independent, Airboat Rides at Midway claims its workers give guests instructions about how to handle the alligators — which guests are invited to hold for photos after their ride concludes.
The baby alligators have bands around their mouths to prevent bites. Guests are instructed how to hold them to prevent the animal from swinging its head, which is entirely made of bone, the company said, claiming that Kasenov ignored their instructions.
The company said they also offered Kasenov medical care after the alligator “swung its head, slapping (him) in the check (sic) bone causing some minor scratches.” They added: “This is a frivolous suit for money.”
Kasenov, who has 1 million followers on Instagram, appeared to reference the alleged bite several times on his account.
He is being represented by the law offices of Berman & Berman. The Independent has contacted his lawyers for comment.