
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
Active Cases

Challenging a Florida Kitten Breeder’s Cruelty and Fraud
Recent Victories

Strengthening Protections Against the Sexual Abuse of Animals (Florida)

Provide Funding for Retired Law Enforcement Dogs’ Veterinary Care (Florida)

Oppose: Pet Protection Act (Florida)

Cross-Reporting Suspected Abuse (Florida)

Racketeering of Aquatic and Wild Animal Life (Florida)

Recognizing the Right of Waterways to Be Free of Pollution (Orange County, Florida)
Take Action
Take action now to help animals in your state.

Stop Ag-Gag Laws

No More Puppy Mills

Using Local Legislation to Protect Animals

Using Local Legislation to Protect Animals: Prohibiting Circuses and Traveling Shows that Exploit Animals

Using Local Legislation to Protect Animals: Fur Bans
Animal Legal Defense Fund 2021 State Animal Protection Laws Ranking Report
See the best and worst states for animal protection laws