The bill amends Florida Statutes to enhance regulations surrounding animal cruelty and the sale of pets. It mandates the Department of Law Enforcement to maintain a searchable online database of individuals convicted of animal cruelty offenses, including detailed personal information such as names, aliases, dates of birth, and photographs. Additionally, it requires clerks of court and county detention facilities to provide this information to the Department. The bill also extends the timeframe for consumers to seek remedies for purchasing animals deemed unfit for sale, revises the remedies available, and requires pet dealers to disclose all financing terms prior to sale. Notably, it eliminates provisions allowing consumers to waive their rights to return an animal and mandates that pet dealers provide medical records to consumers.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new section that establishes best management practices for dog breeding, which the Department of Business and Professional Regulation is tasked with developing and promoting. This includes guidelines on care, facility operations, and breeding practices to ensure animal welfare. The department is also required to provide public guidance on identifying responsible breeders and to post information about animal cruelty on its website. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 1004 c1: 828.12
S 1004 e1: 828.12
S 1004 er: 828.12