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Bill > S1356

FL S1356

FL S1356
Handling of Animals

summary

Introduced
01/07/2026
In Committee
01/16/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
03/13/2026

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

An act relating to the handling of animals; creating s. 585.701, F.S.; providing legislative findings and intent; defining terms; requiring the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to develop and adopt rules, best management practices, and other measures for dog breeding in this state; requiring the department to consider certain criteria in developing the rules; requiring the Board of Veterinary Medicine to verify that the proposed rules meet certain goals; providing construction; amending s. 828.29, F.S.; requiring that a pet sale financing agreement be terminated without penalty under certain circumstances; deleting a limit on veterinary costs under certain provisions; requiring that all financing terms be disclosed to the consumer before the sale of an animal; requiring a specified mandatory waiting period between the purchase and receipt of an animal if the transaction is financed by the consumer; prohibiting the signing of a financing agreement before the conclusion of such waiting period; 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; revising requirements for a required notice to a consumer; revising the text of the required notice; requiring a pet dealer to retain a copy of the signed notice; requiring that the consumer be given a copy of the signed notice; requiring a pet dealer to retain certain records for a specified timeframe; specifying requirements for retail stores that offer animals for sale; requiring retail stores to ensure that dog breeders and dog breeding facilities from which the store acquires dogs meet certain best management practices; providing that violations constitute an unfair method of competition or an unfair or deceptive act or practice in violation of specified provisions and are subject to penalties; providing a private cause of action; providing construction; creating s. 828.291, F.S.; defining terms; requiring dog breeders to apply to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation for a certificate of registration and to renew the certificate at specified intervals; authorizing the department to investigate certain claims; authorizing the department to establish a whistleblower program for a specified purpose; specifying requirements for such program; providing penalties for specified practices and conditions; requiring certain individuals, dog breeders, and dog breeding facilities to be placed on a public animal abuser database; requiring the department to provide certain information to law enforcement for the purpose of pursuing criminal charges; providing an effective date.

AI Summary

This bill establishes new regulations for dog breeders and pet dealers in Florida, aiming to improve animal welfare and consumer protections. It requires the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to develop and adopt "best management practices" (BMPs) for dog breeders and breeding facilities, which are defined as locations housing five or more breeding female dogs, to ensure humane treatment, adequate sanitation, and appropriate breeding limits. The Board of Veterinary Medicine will verify these proposed rules. For pet sales, the bill mandates that all financing terms must be fully disclosed to consumers before a sale, and if an animal's purchase is financed, there will be a mandatory waiting period of at least three days between the purchase agreement and the animal's transfer to the consumer, with financing agreements prohibited before this period concludes. Pet dealers must also provide consumers with copies of all relevant medical records before a sale and retain records for at least seven years. Retail stores selling animals must offer local shelters the chance to inventory adoptable animals before offering space to dog breeders and must ensure their dog suppliers meet the state's BMPs. Violations of these provisions are considered unfair business practices, subject to penalties and allowing consumers to bring civil lawsuits. Additionally, the bill creates a new requirement for dog breeders to obtain a certificate of registration from the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, which must be renewed every two years and requires compliance with the established BMPs. This department can investigate complaints and may establish a whistleblower program to report violations, with penalties including placement on a public animal abuser database and information sharing with law enforcement for criminal charges.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance

Sponsors (2)

Other Sponsors (1)

Commerce and Tourism (Senate)

Last Action

Died in Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government (on 03/13/2026)
(2 Companion Bills)

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