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FL S0022

Bill

Status

Failed

3/8/2024

Primary Sponsor

Gayle Harrell

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2024 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Creates "Sevilla's Law" (s. 501.961, F.S.) requiring providers of companion animal cremation services to furnish a free written description of services to animal owners, referring veterinarians/pet shops, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and any person upon request
  • Defines key cremation types including "communal cremation" (animals cremated together with likely commingling of remains) and "individually partitioned cremation" (effective separation preventing significant commingling, defined as more than 1% by weight of another animal's remains)
  • Prohibits false or misleading service descriptions, including using terms like "private" or "individual" for communal cremations, and requires providers returning cremation remains to include a certification that services were performed as described
  • Establishes civil penalties of $1,001–$1,500 for first offenses and $2,000–$2,500 for subsequent offenses for distributing misleading descriptions, failing to provide required disclosures, or making false certifications; violations also constitute unfair or deceptive trade practices under Florida law
  • Grants the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services investigative and enforcement powers, including subpoena authority, cease and desist orders, and administrative fines, and provides a private right of action for injured persons to recover damages, punitive damages, and attorney fees

Legislative Description

Animal Cremation

Last Action

Died in Agriculture

3/8/2024

Full Bill Text

No bill text available