The bill, titled "Troopers Law," amends Florida Statutes to address the issue of abandoning restrained dogs during natural disasters. It introduces definitions for "natural disaster," which includes situations such as hurricane or tornado warnings and mandatory or voluntary evacuation orders, and "restrain," which refers to attaching a dog to a stationary object using various devices. The bill establishes criminal penalties for individuals who restrain a dog outside during a natural disaster and subsequently abandon the animal, classifying this act as a felony of the third degree, punishable by fines up to $10,000.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing language regarding the abandonment and confinement of animals, changing the phrasing from "is guilty of" to "commits" for certain offenses, which include failing to provide sufficient food and water or abandoning an animal in distress. The penalties for these offenses remain as misdemeanors of the first degree, with fines up to $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
S 150 er: 828.13