FL S0468

Requires veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and animal treatment provider employees to report suspected past or ongoing animal cruelty to law enforcement, animal control officers, or appointed agents

Provides immunity from criminal liability, civil liability, professional disciplinary action, and employer retaliation for veterinary professionals who make good faith reports of animal cruelty

Establishes failure to report suspected animal cruelty as grounds for disciplinary action against licensed veterinarians

Clarifies that veterinarians may furnish medical records without client authorization when animal cruelty is suspected

Creates a first-degree misdemeanor penalty for veterinary technicians, employees, or volunteers who knowingly alter or destroy medical records to conceal animal cruelty

Effective date: July 1, 2026