The 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, increasing penalties for offenders, including mandatory fines and psychological counseling for certain violations. Additionally, it establishes that multiple acts of cruelty can be charged as separate offenses and provides immunity for veterinarians involved in cruelty investigations.

Key changes include the insertion of definitions and penalties related to animal cruelty, such as the requirement for offenders to undergo psychological counseling and the imposition of minimum mandatory fines for repeat offenders. The bill also clarifies that a person who intentionally harms a horse for entertainment purposes can be charged with aggravated animal cruelty. Furthermore, it allows courts to impose additional penalties, including restrictions on animal ownership for convicted individuals. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.