HB 207 Summary

• Creates independent special districts in Florida counties to provide pet services and advocacy programs, funded by county commission approval and referendum-based ad valorem taxes not exceeding 0.10 mills.

• Establishes a 14-member Pets' Trust council per county with representatives from animal services, humane societies, rescue groups, veterinarians, and community members to allocate funds to qualifying organizations.

• Mandates allocation of 60-70 percent of council revenue to spay and neuter programs targeting low-income pet owners and high shelter-intake areas during the first 3 years or until shelter deaths reach half the state average, whichever is longer.

• Requires councils to allocate funds for veterinary care for low-income owners, pet education, adoption programs, animal cruelty prevention, and up to 5 percent for administrative costs and personnel compensation.

• Expires July 1, 2020; takes effect July 1, 2015; allows prior nonbinding straw ballots approving animal service funding within 5 years to satisfy referendum requirements.