HB 153 Summary

• Requires animal rescue organizations to prepare, maintain, and publicly disclose records for 3 preceding years, including intake and disposition data on monthly basis

• Mandates sterilization of all dogs and cats sold or released for adoption from animal shelters and rescue organizations before release or through written agreement with adopter; allows adopter to pay costs unless otherwise provided by ordinance or governing body

• Prohibits animal shelters, rescue organizations, humane organizations, and animal control agencies from importing animals into Florida from other states, U.S. territories, or foreign countries, with exception during declared emergencies or natural disasters

• Establishes criminal penalties: first violation of importation or reporting requirements is second-degree misdemeanor for entities, third-degree felony for individuals; subsequent violations increase to first-degree misdemeanor for entities and second-degree felony for individuals

• Requires Commissioner of Agriculture to report suspected violations involving unlicensed animal dealing or transport to United States Department of Agriculture and authorizes civil enforcement actions

• Effective date: October 1, 2018