The bill, titled "Troopers Law," aims to address the issue of abandoning restrained dogs during natural disasters by amending Section 828.13 of the Florida Statutes. It introduces definitions for "natural disaster" and "restrain," specifying that a natural disaster includes situations where a hurricane, tropical storm, or tornado warning has been issued, or when a mandatory or voluntary evacuation order is in effect. The bill establishes criminal penalties for individuals who restrain a dog outside during such disasters and subsequently abandon the animal, classifying this act as a felony of the third degree, punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 or imprisonment.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing language regarding the abandonment and confinement of animals, replacing the phrase "is guilty of" with "commits" in relation to various offenses, including the abandonment of animals and failure to provide adequate care. It maintains the penalties for these offenses as misdemeanors of the first degree, with fines not exceeding $5,000. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 150 Filed: 828.12
S 150 c1: 828.13
S 150 e1: 828.13