The bill amends existing Florida statutes to enhance the reporting and accountability measures related to animal cruelty. It introduces a new provision in section 474.214, making it a disciplinary offense for veterinarians and related professionals to fail to report suspected animal cruelty. Additionally, it clarifies in section 474.2165 that veterinarians are authorized to share medical records without client consent when they suspect animal cruelty. The bill also creates a new section, 828.124, which defines terms related to animal cruelty and mandates that certain individuals, including veterinarians and veterinary technicians, report suspected incidents of animal cruelty to appropriate authorities.

Furthermore, the bill provides legal protections for those who make good faith reports of animal cruelty, ensuring they are shielded from liability, disciplinary actions, and retaliation. It establishes penalties for individuals who knowingly alter or destroy medical records to conceal animal cruelty. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 921 Filed: 474.2165