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FL H0205
Bill
Status
Introduced
1/16/2025
Primary Sponsor
Judiciary Committee
Click for details
AI Summary
- Cited as "Trooper's Law," amends Section 828.13, Florida Statutes, to create a new criminal offense for restraining a dog outside during a natural disaster and then abandoning it
- Defines "natural disaster" as a situation where a hurricane, tropical storm, or tornado warning has been issued by the National Weather Service, or when a mandatory or voluntary evacuation order is in effect for a municipality or county
- Defines "restrain" as attaching a dog to a stationary object or trolley system by chain, rope, tether, leash, cable, or other device
- Restraining a dog outside during a natural disaster and thereafter abandoning it is a third-degree felony, punishable by imprisonment under s. 775.082 or a fine of up to $10,000, or both — a significant escalation from the existing first-degree misdemeanor penalties for general animal abandonment (up to $5,000 fine)
- Effective date is October 1, 2025
Legislative Description
Abandoning Restrained Dogs During Natural Disasters
Last Action
Laid on Table, companion bill(s) passed, see CS/SB 150 (Ch. 2025-101)
4/29/2025
Committee Referrals
Judiciary3/7/2025
Criminal Justice Subcommittee1/22/2025
Full Bill Text
No bill text available