TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed two new bills aimed at strengthening animal protection laws across the state. The legislation, known as Trooper’s Law and Dexter’s Law, introduces harsher penalties for animal cruelty and establishes new legal protections for pets during natural disasters.
Trooper’s Law, formally Senate Bill 150, makes it a third-degree felony to restrain and abandon a dog outdoors during a declared natural disaster or under mandatory or voluntary evacuation orders. Offenders could face up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. The law also codifies first-degree misdemeanor penalties for failing to provide confined animals with adequate food, water, and exercise, or for abandoning them.
The law was named after a dog left chained in the path of Hurricane Milton, who was later rescued by the Florida Highway Patrol.
“Across Florida, we have seen horrifying instances of animal cruelty that demand a stronger response,” DeSantis said in a statement. “Florida stands by man’s best friend.”
The second measure, House Bill 255 — also known as Dexter’s Law — increases penalties for aggravated animal cruelty. It includes a 1.25 sentencing multiplier for such crimes and establishes Florida’s first animal abuser database, designed to help prevent repeat offenses and protect communities.
Dexter’s Law was named after a shelter dog in Pinellas County who was killed just days after being adopted.
Supporters of the new laws say the legislation addresses longstanding gaps in Florida’s animal protection statutes and will serve as a deterrent to future abuse.
