Bill > H0205

This bill, named "Trooper's Law," amends Florida's animal welfare statutes to specifically address the abandonment of dogs during natural disasters. The bill defines key terms such as "natural disaster" (a hurricane, tropical storm, or tornado warning issued by the National Weather Service, or a mandatory or voluntary evacuation order), "restrain" (attaching a dog to a stationary object by chain, rope, tether, or cable), and expands the definition of "abandon" to include forsaking an animal or neglecting its legal care obligations. The legislation creates a new criminal offense that makes it a third-degree felony to restrain a dog outside during a natural disaster and subsequently abandon it, with potential penalties including up to $10,000 in fines or imprisonment. This builds upon existing laws that already criminalize animal abandonment and neglect, but adds specific protections for dogs during emergency situations. The bill will take effect on October 1, 2025, giving local authorities and pet owners time to prepare and understand the new legal requirements.

Justice

Judiciary Committee (H)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/205