HB 1257 Summary

• Requires veterinary certificates for dogs and cats offered for sale in Florida to be prepared by a veterinarian licensed in the animal's state of origin and accredited by the USDA.

• Reduces veterinary examination timeframe from 30 days to 15 days before sale and adds new testing requirements including feline leukemia testing for cats and heartworm testing for dogs over 6 months old.

• Mandates display of official veterinary inspection certificates at retail pet stores or on webpages for internet sales, and requires disclosure of breeder information for other sales methods.

• Prohibits sale or donation of dogs and cats on highways, in parking lots, flea markets, public parks, or recreational areas, with exceptions for humane societies, nonprofit adoption events, private residences, and competitive dog/cat shows.

• Establishes criminal penalties ranging from second-degree misdemeanor for violations to first-degree misdemeanor for repeat violations or those causing animal suffering; effective July 1, 2013.