Bill Summary

by Weinberger

Handling of Animals: Requires DACS to develop best management practices for dog breeding & to investigate certain claims; requires Board of Veterinary Medicine to verify that rules for such practices meet certain goals; preempts regulatory & operational oversight of local animal shelters to DACS; revises requirements for pet dealers & retail stores; removes certain limit on veterinary costs; provides that violations are unfair method of competition or unfair or deceptive act or practice & subject to penalties; provides for private causes of action; requires dog breeders to apply to DBPR for certificate of registration; authorizes DACS to establish whistleblower program; provides penalties; requires certain individuals, dog breeders, & dog breeding facilities to be placed on public animal abuser database; provides requirements for best management practices; requires DACS to use requirements to develop rules. Effective Date: July 1, 2026

Committee references not assigned.