Florida
Updates about legal issues facing animals in the state
The Animal Legal Defense Fund works at the federal, state and local levels to protect the lives and advance the interests of animals.
Animal Protection Laws Ranking
Each year, the Animal Legal Defense Fund publishes its U.S. State Animal Protection Laws Rankings Report. Each state is ranked based on 20 different categories of animal protection.
Florida
Overall Rank: #7 (Top Tier)
- +Child protective investigators are required to report suspected animal cruelty and have civil immunity for doing so in good faith
- +Animal control officers must complete training on animal cruelty investigations
- +Has “Good Samaritan” law allowing civilians to rescue animals left unattended in cars
- -Standards for minimum acceptable care for animals (e.g. necessary food, water, shelter) are not well-defined
- -No felony provisions for animal neglect, abandonment, or sexual assault
Animal Protection Laws of Florida
The Animal Protection Laws of Florida compendium contains the general animal protection and related statutes for Florida with an effective date on or before September 1, 2022.
Active Legislation
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Active Cases
Challenging a Florida Kitten Breeder’s Cruelty and Fraud
Rozetti v. Adorable Stars
The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed a lawsuit against Orlando-based kitten breeder and seller, Adorable Stars, for practicing veterinary medicine without a license, animal cruelty and neglect, and contract and tort claims.
Recent Victories
Strengthening Protections Against the Sexual Abuse of Animals (Florida)
S.B. 1798
Florida lawmakers have passed a bill strengthening penalties for the sexual abuse of animals as well as imposing a possession ban on those convicted, limiting their future interactions with animals.
Provide Funding for Retired Law Enforcement Dogs’ Veterinary Care (Florida)
Florida’s Care for Retired Law Enforcement Dogs Program Act would provide funding for retired law enforcement dogs’ vet care
The Care for Retired Law Enforcement Dogs Program Act would create a program to provide funding for the veterinary care of dogs formerly used in law enforcement. (H.B. 25/S.B. 226)
Oppose: Pet Protection Act (Florida)
Would preempt new local retail sales bans for cats and dogs and would also prohibit municipalities from enacting any further safeguards against puppy and kitten mills. (SB 994/HB 849)
Cross-Reporting Suspected Abuse (Florida)
Requires cross-reporting of suspected abuse by child protective investigators and animal control officers (SB 96)
SB 96, sponsored by Senator Lauren Book (D-32), would require child protective investigators and animal control officers to report suspected animal and child abuse. Additionally, the bill strengthens penalties for the sexual abuse of animals.
Racketeering of Aquatic and Wild Animal Life (Florida)
Adds wildlife crimes to the list of racketeering offenses (HB 783/SB 776)
Racketeering of Aquatic and Wild Animal Life (HB 783/SB 776) would add wildlife crimes to the list of racketeering offenses, allowing further penalty to those who illegally take, kill, sell, purchase, or possess wild animals under Florida’s RICO (Racketeer Influence and Corrupt Organization) Act.
Recognizing the Right of Waterways to Be Free of Pollution (Orange County, Florida)
'Right to Clean Water Initiative,' Charter Question 1 — Public Vote
Recognizes waterways in Orange County, Florida have a right to exist, flow, be protected against pollution, and maintain a healthy ecosystem
Take Action
Take action now to help animals in your state.
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Stop Ag-Gag Laws
Undercover investigations and whistleblowers have exposed some of the worst aspects of factory farming, but Ag-Gag laws punish people who speak out about cruelty in animal agriculture. Voice your opposition.
No More Puppy Mills
Puppy mill operators maximize their profits by producing large numbers of puppies as quickly as possible. As a result, unsanitary conditions, disease, and neglect are rampant. Sign our pledge to boycott puppy mills. Together we can end cruel puppy mills.
Using Local Legislation to Protect Animals
Want to take the next step in your animal advocacy? Learn the skills you need to pass laws protecting animals at the local level! Local laws are critical – not only do they help individual animals in your community but prime state legislation.
Using Local Legislation to Protect Animals: Prohibiting Circuses and Traveling Shows that Exploit Animals
Learn how wild animals are exploited in circuses and traveling shows, and how you can help!
Using Local Legislation to Protect Animals: Fur Bans
Learn how to fight back against the cruel fur industry by passing a fur ban in your community! Led by Animal Legal Defense Fund Campaigns Manager Elizabeth Holtz, this webinar will walk you through the mechanics of fur production, the policy issues, including animal cruelty, environmental impacts, and public health, and more.
Animal Legal Defense Fund 2021 State Animal Protection Laws Ranking Report
See the best and worst states for animal protection laws