FL H1409

Requires commercial dog breeders and pet dealers selling dogs to the public to obtain a license from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; applicants must be at least 18 years old with no prior animal cruelty convictions in the previous 10 years and no history of revoked or refused licenses.

Mandates annual inspections of breeding facilities with requirements for primary enclosures including minimum space (12-30 square feet per dog depending on size), temperature control (50-85°F for adults, 65-85°F for puppies), lighting (10 hours daily), and sanitation standards.

Limits breeders to a maximum of 50 sexually intact dogs 6 months or older for breeding purposes and requires female dogs to be at least 12 months old before breeding, with a lifetime limit of six litters per female dog.

Establishes mandatory veterinary care requirements including annual hands-on examinations, core vaccinations, parasite prevention, and genetic testing; requires written medical programs signed by licensed veterinarians.

Exempts small breeders with four or fewer breeding females and pet dealers selling fewer than 20 dogs per year; effective October 1, 2019.