The proposed bill, titled "Trooper's Law," aims to address the issue of abandoning restrained dogs during natural disasters. It amends Section 828.13 of the Florida Statutes to include new definitions, such as "natural disaster," which refers to situations involving hurricane, tropical storm, or tornado warnings, or mandatory or voluntary evacuation orders. The bill explicitly prohibits restraining a dog outside during such disasters and subsequently abandoning the animal, establishing criminal penalties for violators.

Under the revised law, individuals who abandon a dog during a natural disaster will face a felony of the third degree, with potential penalties including imprisonment and fines up to $10,000. The bill also clarifies existing definitions related to animal abandonment and care, ensuring that owners are held accountable for their pets' welfare during emergencies. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 205 Filed: 828.13
H 205 c1: 828.13