Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed new legislation on Wednesday that will impose tougher penalties on individuals who abandon pets during natural disasters.
The laws, announced outside Royal Palm Beach at Big Dog Ranch Rescue, were motivated by recent high-profile animal cruelty cases, including a dog left behind during Hurricane Milton and another found decapitated in a St. Petersburg-area Park.
Under the new law, violations occurring during hurricanes or other disasters will be subject to up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. A separate measure, also signed this week, increases penalties for severe animal abuse and will take effect on July 1.
Why It Matters
The new Florida laws were signed into law as the 2025 hurricane season approaches, aiming to better protect pets left vulnerable during emergencies. The changes follow public concern over incidents in recent years where animals were abandoned or severely harmed during crises, prompting state officials to consider enhanced legal deterrents.
What To Know
The legislation signed by DeSantis means that, starting October 1, individuals who restrain and abandon animals during hurricanes or other designated disasters face substantially tougher criminal penalties. The law authorizes up to five years of imprisonment and a $10,000 fine for violations.
Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during a press conference about a recent immigration enforcement operation, at the South Florida office of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Enforcement and Removal Operations, Thursday, May 1, 2025, in Miramar, Fla.
AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell
It also establishes failing to provide confined animals with sufficient food, water, and exercise, and abandoning an animal, as first-degree misdemeanors.
The measure directly responds to animal cruelty cases during prior storms, most notably a bull terrier left chained to a fence along Interstate 75 during Hurricane Milton. The dog, now named Trooper, was rescued by a state trooper and adopted by a couple in Broward County.
DeSantis also enacted a second law to increase penalties for severe acts of cruelty against animals and create an animal abuse database. This bill, which takes effect July 1, was inspired by the case of a decapitated dog named Dexter discovered in a St. Petersburg-area park.
“Florida will not tolerate cruelty toward animals, especially in times of crisis,” said DeSantis, who signed the bills while holding a puppy.
What People Are Saying
DeSantis, in a statement: “Across Florida, we have seen horrifying instances of animal cruelty that demand a stronger response. I was proud to sign Trooper’s Law and Dexter’s Law today. Florida stands by man’s best friend.”
Lauree Simmons, founder of Big Dog Ranch Rescue, at the bills’ signing: “This legislation sends a signal. Enough is enough.”
What Happens Next
The law enhancing penalties for pet abandonment during disasters will take effect on October 1, while the broader animal cruelty statute will be implemented on July 1.
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