CS/CS/CS/HB 849 - Service Animals

• Amends Florida Statutes section 413.08 to revise definitions and protections related to service animals for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, housing, and employment.

• Defines "service animal" as a dog or miniature horse trained to perform work or tasks directly related to a person's disability, excluding emotional support animals and pets; air carriers follow federal regulations under the Air Carrier Access Act.

• Requires public accommodations to permit service animals in all areas accessible to the public and prohibits deposits, surcharges, or documentation requirements; allows exclusion only if the animal is out of control, not housebroken, or poses a direct threat to health and safety.

• Establishes second-degree misdemeanor penalties for persons who deny or interfere with service animal access or rights, requiring 30 hours of community service within 6 months for organizations serving individuals with disabilities.

• Creates second-degree misdemeanor offense with 30 hours of community service for knowingly and willfully misrepresenting oneself as a service animal user, trainer, or qualified handler; effective July 1, 2014.