The bill amends Florida Statute 828.12, which addresses animal cruelty, by introducing new provisions that specifically prohibit confining an animal in an unattended motor vehicle under conditions that could endanger the animal's health or well-being. This act establishes that such confinement can lead to a misdemeanor charge of animal cruelty, punishable by fines or imprisonment. Additionally, the bill redefines the penalties for aggravated animal cruelty, increasing the fines and mandatory incarceration periods for repeat offenders, and introduces a minimum mandatory fine and psychological counseling for those convicted of severe cruelty.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies that multiple acts of animal cruelty can be charged as separate offenses, and it provides legal immunity for veterinarians involved in cruelty investigations. It also includes a specific provision against the tripping of horses for entertainment purposes, categorizing it as aggravated animal cruelty. The bill allows courts to impose additional penalties, including prohibiting convicted individuals from owning or having custody of animals for a determined period. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.