FL S1574

Requires commercial breeders selling 16 or more animals in a 12-month period and animal dealers to register with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation before engaging in business.

Mandates that commercial breeders and dealers comply with federal animal welfare standards under 9 C.F.R. part 3 regarding humane handling, care, treatment, housing, temperature, exhibition, and transportation of dogs and cats.

Establishes a 2-year registration period with annual onsite inspections of all facilities where animals are housed, with registration fees not exceeding the department's actual administrative costs.

Establishes penalties including administrative fines up to $5,000 per violation, cease and desist orders, registration denial or revocation, and suspension for noncompliance; operating without registration is a third-degree felony effective January 1, 2015.

Exempts small breeders selling 15 or fewer animals annually directly to consumers, licensed exhibitors, greyhound kennels, humane societies, and animal shelters; requires retail pet stores to annually report their commercial breeder and dealer suppliers to the department.