PALM BEACH — Gov. Ron DeSantis signed two bills strengthening Florida’s animal cruelty laws and pet-sale consumer protections, creating new felony offenses for adults who involve minors in aggravated animal abuse, animal fighting or sexual abuse involving animals.
“Florida has become a leader in protecting animals and holding accountable those who harm them. Today, we built on that record with new legislation to strengthen penalties for animal abuse and improve consumer protections for pet owners,” DeSantis said.
HB 559 targets animal abuse on multiple fronts. The bill increases criminal penalties for animal fighting and baiting offenses under Florida’s Criminal Punishment Code, requires juveniles convicted of animal cruelty offenses to undergo psychological evaluation and treatment if necessary, and expands the state’s animal abuse offender database maintained by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Local governments gain stronger enforcement tools through higher maximum civil penalties for animal cruelty ordinance violations and tougher penalties for repeat offenders.
“HB 559 gives law enforcement and local communities additional tools to crack down on animal abuse, including new felony penalties for horrific acts of animal cruelty,” DeSantis said. “SB 1004 enhances legal protections for Floridians who buy and own pets and provides real accountability for businesses that violate the law.”
SB 1004 addresses the pet-sale industry directly. The bill requires pet dealers to disclose financing terms before a sale is finalized and to provide veterinary medical records documenting examinations, medications and treatments provided to the animal. Consumers gain the right to terminate financing agreements without penalty if an animal is later found unfit for purchase because of illness or disease. Dealers must also provide written notice informing consumers of their rights under Florida law, including the ability to return or exchange a sick animal and seek reimbursement for veterinary costs. Violations are enforceable under Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.
“In Florida, anyone who mistreats or exploits animals-or tries to defraud those who care about them-will be held accountable,” DeSantis said.
The two bills build on a series of animal welfare measures DeSantis has signed in recent years. In 2025, the governor signed Trooper’s Law and Dexter’s Law, which increased penalties for abandoning animals during natural disasters and enhanced sentencing for severe acts of animal abuse. He also previously signed legislation authorizing emergency responders to transport and provide emergency care to injured police canines while increasing penalties for harming law enforcement, fire and search-and-rescue animals.
Both bills take effect upon becoming law. FDLE will be responsible for updating the expanded animal abuse offender database to reflect the new felony categories created under HB 559.