A Florida man is taking legal action against an airboat company after he claims a free alligator encounter left him with a bite to the face. Edil Kasenov, a resident of Broward County, visited Airboat Rides at Midway in Christmas, Florida, approximately 30 miles east of Orlando, in June 2025. During his visit, he participated in a complimentary alligator encounter offered by the business, according to a lawsuit obtained by WKMG News 6.
The Incident and Allegations
Kasenov alleges that during the encounter, an alligator bit him in the face, causing serious injuries. He is now accusing the company of negligence and is seeking damages exceeding $50,000. The lawsuit claims that Kasenov suffered pain and suffering, disability, physical impairment, disfigurement, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, lost wages, and medical expenses.
The legal filing accuses Airboat Rides at Midway of failing to properly train employees and failing to warn Kasenov of the dangerous nature of the alligator encounter. It states that there were no warnings, signs, or other devices indicating the alligator's vicious nature and that no measures were taken to restrain the animal or protect the plaintiff.
Company's Response
Airboat Rides at Midway's website notes that all its airboat captains are U.S. Coast Guard Master Captains. An FAQ section acknowledges that the animals can bite, stating, '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.'
In a statement to The Independent, the company claimed that workers provide guests with instructions on how to handle the alligators, which are invited to be held for photos after the ride. The baby alligators have bands around their mouths to prevent bites. Guests are instructed on proper holding techniques to prevent the animal from swinging its head, which is entirely bone. The company alleged that Kasenov ignored their instructions and that they offered medical care after the alligator swung its head, causing minor scratches to his cheek bone. They described the lawsuit as frivolous.
Kasenov, who has 1 million Instagram followers, has reportedly referenced the bite on his account. He is represented by Berman & Berman. The Independent has sought comment from his lawyers.
