FL H0527

Changes local animal control and cruelty ordinance surcharges from optional ("may") to mandatory ("shall") for counties and municipalities that enact such ordinances.

Increases the surcharge amount from up to $5 to a fixed $15 per civil penalty violation.

Allocates surcharge proceeds as follows: $1 to the clerk of court, $5 for animal control officer training, and the remaining $9 for subsidizing spaying and neutering services for dogs and cats.

Caps charges to animal owners for sterilization services at the cost of the procedure minus the subsidy amount provided.

Takes effect July 1, 2012, and clarifies that this requirement does not mandate counties or municipalities to enact animal control or cruelty ordinances in the first place.