summary
Introduced
12/23/2025
12/23/2025
In Committee
03/05/2026
03/05/2026
Crossed Over
02/20/2026
02/20/2026
Passed
05/12/2026
05/12/2026
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
05/13/2026
05/13/2026
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to domestic animals; amending s. 828.12, F.S.; requiring the Department of Law Enforcement to post on its website specified information relating to each individual convicted of specified animal cruelty offenses; requiring the clerk of each court and county detention facility to provide the Department of Law Enforcement with such information; amending s. 828.29, F.S.; extending the timeframe for which a consumer may pursue remedies for the sale of an animal certifiably unfit for purchase; revising such remedies; requiring that all financing terms be disclosed to the consumer by the pet dealer before the sale of the animal; deleting certain provisions relating to a consumer’s waiver relinquishing his or her rights to return an animal; requiring a pet dealer to provide copies of specified medical records to a consumer; denying a consumer the right to a refund or an exchange for a pet sale under certain circumstances; extending the timeframe within which a consumer must notify the pet dealer of a veterinarian’s determination that the animal is unfit; authorizing the consumer to initiate an action in certain courts for any contestation of veterinary expenses or demands of the pet dealer for a refund or exchange; providing for the award of punitive damages; revising requirements for a required notice to a consumer; revising the text of the required notice; revising the definition of the term “pet dealer”; requiring a pet dealer to retain a copy of a specified notice for a specified period; providing that violations constitute an unfair method of competition or an unfair or deceptive act or practice in violation of specified provisions and subject to penalties; creating s. 828.291, F.S.; providing a legislative purpose; providing construction; requiring the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to develop a list of best management practices for adoption and implementation; specifying requirements for such best management practices; requiring the department to post guidance on its website related to the selection of breeders and the purchase of an animal; requiring the department to post information on its website relating to animal cruelty; providing requirements for such information; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill strengthens animal cruelty laws and consumer protections for pet purchases by requiring the Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to create a public online registry of individuals convicted of animal cruelty offenses, including their names, birth dates, race, conviction details, and identifying marks, with clerks of court and detention facilities obligated to provide this information to the FDLE. It also significantly revises consumer rights when purchasing animals from pet dealers, extending the timeframe for consumers to seek remedies for animals found unfit for purchase due to illness, disease, or congenital/hereditary disorders to 30 days for illness and one year for disorders, and requiring pet dealers to disclose all financing terms upfront, provide medical records before sale, and prohibits waivers that strip consumers of their rights. Furthermore, the bill expands the definition of a "pet dealer" to include those selling more than three litters or 30 animals annually, mandates that pet dealers retain sales records for seven years, and clarifies that violations are considered unfair business practices subject to penalties. Finally, it establishes a new section requiring the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to develop voluntary best management practices for dog breeders covering care, operations, and breeding, and to provide public guidance on selecting breeders and identifying animal cruelty.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (2)
Other Sponsors (1)
Rules (Senate)
Last Action
Chapter No. 2026-76 (on 05/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
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