This bill amends section 828.29 of the Florida Statutes, which governs the sale of dogs and cats, to enhance consumer protections and clarify the responsibilities of pet dealers. Key provisions include the requirement for pet dealers to terminate financing agreements without penalty if a sale is rescinded due to the animal's unfitness for purchase, as certified by a veterinarian. The bill also mandates that all financial terms be disclosed to consumers prior to the sale and introduces a mandatory three-day waiting period between the purchase agreement and the consumer taking possession of the animal if financing is involved. Additionally, the bill removes the previous limit on veterinary cost reimbursements and requires pet dealers to provide consumers with copies of medical records related to the animal.
Further, the bill revises the notice requirements that pet dealers must provide to consumers, ensuring they are informed of their rights regarding refunds and exchanges. It establishes that violations of these provisions constitute unfair competition or deceptive practices, subjecting violators to penalties. The bill also allows consumers to bring civil actions for damages resulting from violations, reinforcing their rights under the law. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2026.