summary
Introduced
01/13/2025
01/13/2025
In Committee
01/29/2025
01/29/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
06/16/2025
06/16/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to animal cremation; creating s. 501.961, F.S.; providing a short title; defining terms; requiring a provider of companion animal cremation services to provide certain individuals and entities with a written description of the services the provider offers; requiring that the written description include a detailed explanation of each service offered; providing that the written description may not contain false or misleading information; requiring certain persons or entities that make referrals to providers or accept deceased companion animals for cremation through a provider to make a copy of the provider’s written description of services available to owners or their representatives; providing construction; requiring certain providers to include a certification with the returned animal’s cremation remains; specifying requirements for the certification; providing that certain acts are unlawful; providing civil penalties for initial and subsequent offenses; providing circumstances under which a person commits an unfair or deceptive act or practice or an unfair method of competition in violation of certain provisions; providing for a private right of action; providing powers of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; requiring that certain fines collected by the department be paid into the General Inspection Trust Fund; authorizing the department to adopt rules; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill establishes comprehensive regulations for animal cremation services in Florida, known as "Sevilla's Law," which requires cremation providers to provide detailed, transparent written descriptions of their services to animal owners, veterinarians, pet shops, and other referring entities. The bill defines key terms like "companion animal," "cremation remains," and different types of cremation processes (such as communal and individually partitioned cremations), and mandates that providers disclose exactly what services they offer without using misleading language. Providers must provide a free, detailed written description that explains each type of cremation service, including any potential use or sale of animal remains, and are prohibited from using terms like "private" or "individual" inaccurately. The law imposes civil penalties for violations, with fines ranging from $1,001 to $2,500 depending on whether it is a first or subsequent offense, and allows the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to investigate potential violations. Additionally, the bill provides a private right of action for individuals injured by violations, enabling them to seek damages, and grants the department authority to issue cease and desist orders, impose administrative fines, and adopt implementing rules. The law is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and aims to increase transparency and protect consumers in the animal cremation service industry.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Died in Judiciary (on 06/16/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/210 |
| Analysis - Agriculture (Pre-Meeting) | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/210/Analyses/2025s00210.pre.ag.PDF |
| Analysis - Agriculture (Post-Meeting) | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/210/Analyses/2025s00210.ag.PDF |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/210/BillText/Filed/HTML |
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