FL H1127

Counties may create independent special districts by ordinance to fund pet services and welfare programs through ad valorem taxes, with a maximum millage rate of 0.10 mills on assessed property values.

Each district establishes a 14-member Pets' Trust council including representatives from animal shelters, county government, veterinarians, animal welfare organizations, a spay/neuter expert, accountant, attorney, animal rescue organization, and two elected at-large members.

Council must allocate up to 80 percent of revenue to spay and neuter programs for the first 3 years or until shelter deaths reach half the state average, with remaining funds for pet retention, adoption, education, and animal welfare programs.

Council may allocate up to 5 percent of revenue for administrative personnel compensation (capped at $50,000 annually for lobbyists), up to 5 percent for large animal cruelty rescue assistance, and up to 2 percent for public relations.

District may be dissolved by special legislative act or by county ordinance with voter approval; county must submit retention or dissolution question to voters within 4 years of district creation.