This bill amends Section 828.12 of the Florida Statutes to enhance the legal framework surrounding animal cruelty. It introduces 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, classifying such an act as a felony of the third degree. The bill also redefines animal cruelty and aggravated animal cruelty, establishing clearer penalties for offenders, including mandatory fines and psychological counseling for certain violations. Additionally, it allows for separate charges for multiple acts of cruelty against one or more animals.

The bill includes several technical changes, such as the reordering of sections and the insertion of terms like "animal" and "aggravated animal cruelty." It also specifies that veterinarians are protected from liability when making decisions related to animal cruelty investigations. Furthermore, it introduces additional penalties that may prohibit convicted individuals from owning or having custody of animals for a court-determined period. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.