FL S0676

Creates third-degree felony offenses for adults 18 and older who cause or entice minors to commit, or commit in the presence of minors, acts of animal cruelty, animal fighting/baiting, or sexual activities involving animals

Requires juvenile courts to order minors who commit animal cruelty to undergo psychological evaluation and, if recommended, receive counseling or treatment, with costs paid by parents/guardians or the state

Mandates the Department of Law Enforcement post a searchable database by January 1, 2027, containing names, photos, and conviction details of individuals convicted of animal cruelty offenses for periods of 3-10 years depending on offense severity

Increases maximum civil penalties for local animal control ordinance violations from $500 to $2,500 for first violations, $5,000 for second violations, and $7,500 for third or subsequent violations

Elevates the offense of fighting or baiting animals from Level 1 to Level 5 on the Criminal Punishment Code offense severity ranking chart