FL H0559

Adults 18 or older who cause or entice a minor to commit, or commit in a minor's presence, aggravated animal cruelty, animal fighting/baiting, or sexual activities with animals face a third-degree felony charge

Minors who commit animal cruelty must undergo court-ordered psychological evaluation and, if recommended, receive counseling or treatment paid for by their parent/guardian or the state

Department of Law Enforcement must maintain a searchable public website with names, photos, and conviction details of individuals convicted of animal cruelty offenses (3 years for first misdemeanor, 5 years for first felony, 10 years for subsequent offenses)

Maximum civil penalties for local animal control/cruelty ordinance violations increase from $500 to $2,500 for first violation, $5,000 for second, and $7,500 for third or subsequent violations

Fighting or baiting animals offense elevated from Level 1 to Level 5 on the Criminal Punishment Code offense severity ranking chart; effective date October 1, 2026