summary
Introduced
09/19/2025
09/19/2025
In Committee
10/06/2025
10/06/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 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; specifying requirements for such written descriptions of services; 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 creates a comprehensive regulatory framework for animal cremation services in Florida, known as "Sevilla's Law," which aims to protect pet owners by ensuring transparency and ethical practices in the companion animal cremation industry. The legislation defines key terms such as "companion animal," "cremation remains," and different types of cremation processes (communal, individually partitioned), and requires cremation service providers to provide detailed, clear written descriptions of their services to animal owners, veterinarians, pet shops, and other entities. Providers must disclose the specifics of their cremation services, including any potential use or sale of animal remains, and are prohibited from using misleading language or marketing materials. The bill establishes strict penalties for violations, including fines ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 for first and subsequent offenses, and allows the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to investigate potential infractions. Additionally, the law provides a private right of action for individuals injured by violations, enabling them to seek damages, and grants the department broad investigative and enforcement powers. The legislation is designed to prevent deceptive practices and ensure that pet owners receive honest, transparent information about how their deceased companion animals will be handled during the cremation process.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced (on 01/13/2026)
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/2026/58 |
| Analysis - Agriculture (Post-Meeting) | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/58/Analyses/2026s00058.ag.PDF |
| Analysis - Agriculture (Pre-Meeting) | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/58/Analyses/2026s00058.pre.ag.PDF |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/58/BillText/Filed/HTML |
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