FL S1492

Creates a registration and certification system for dog breeders through the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, requiring all breeders with one or more breeding female dogs to obtain and annually renew a certificate of registration.

Establishes standards of care rules for dog breeding facilities that must meet minimum federal regulations and include limitations on the number of breeding female dogs, breeding frequency, space, exercise, veterinary care, temperature, food, and euthanasia requirements.

Requires dog breeders and retail establishments selling dogs to microchip dogs and register microchips with the department, with retail establishments required to display certificates of registration and inspection from breeding facilities.

Authorizes the department to inspect dog breeding facilities, assess fines up to $500 for late renewals, suspend or revoke certificates for violations, and confiscate dogs; creates a publicly available database of registered breeders and violations.

Provides criminal penalties for operating a breeding facility after certificate revocation, including first offense as a first-degree misdemeanor and second offense as a third-degree felony, and appropriates $5.55 million and 110 FTE positions to the Department of Agriculture for fiscal year 2023-2024.