Bill > H0079

This bill amends Florida's existing animal cruelty law to establish more severe criminal penalties for animal cruelty offenses committed during a declared state of emergency. Currently, animal cruelty is typically classified as a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to $5,000 in fines or potential imprisonment. The proposed legislation upgrades the offense to a third-degree felony if the animal cruelty occurs in an area under a state of emergency (as declared under section 252.36). This means that individuals who unnecessarily harm, mutilate, kill, or cruelly treat animals during emergency situations like natural disasters or public health crises would face more serious criminal charges, which could result in more significant legal consequences, including potentially longer prison sentences and more substantial fines. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, giving law enforcement and the judicial system time to prepare for the new legal standard.

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/79