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FloridaHB 5592026HouseWALLET

Animal Welfare

Sponsored By: Linda Chaney (Republican)

Signed by Governor

AppropriationCriminal Justice SubcommitteeJustice Budget SubcommitteeJudiciary CommitteeRules

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 2 mixed.

Higher fines for local animal violations

Beginning October 1, 2026, Florida raises the maximum civil fines under local animal control or cruelty ordinances. The prior $500 maximum becomes $2,500 for a first violation and $5,000 for a second. The maximum is $7,500 for a third or later violation. These amounts are ceilings, not automatic fines.

Parents face costs for cruelty treatment

Beginning October 1, 2026, juvenile courts must order psychological evaluations for minors who commit animal cruelty. Courts must also order recommended counseling or treatment for a period they set. Parents or guardians pay, unless the minor is a ward of the state; then the state pays. Courts must lower or waive fees upon finding indigency and significant financial hardship. Parents or guardians who willfully refuse recommended treatment can be held in contempt.

Felonies for involving minors in cruelty

Beginning October 1, 2026, adults age 18 or older face new third-degree felonies for involving minors in specified animal offenses. These cover causing or enticing minors to commit aggravated animal cruelty, animal fighting or baiting, or sexual activities involving animals. Committing those offenses in a minor's presence also qualifies. The cruelty and fighting offenses receive Level 6 rankings on Florida's felony sentencing chart. The sexual-activity offense receives a Level 7 ranking; these rankings guide sentencing.

Higher sentencing rank for animal fighting

Beginning October 1, 2026, animal fighting or baiting moves from Level 1 to Level 5 on Florida's felony sentencing chart. The higher ranking changes how courts apply the state's criminal punishment rules to people convicted of this offense.

Public listings for animal cruelty convictions

Before January 1, 2027, Florida's Department of Law Enforcement must begin publishing searchable animal cruelty records, including identifying information and photos. Listings cover convictions and guilty or no-contest pleas, even when the court withholds a formal finding of guilt. Records stay online for 3 years for a first misdemeanor, 5 years for a first felony, and 10 years for later convictions. The department must remove listings within 30 days after receiving adequate proof of an overturned conviction or sealed record. Court clerks and county detention facilities must supply the required records and images.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Linda Chaney

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Criminal Justice Subcommittee

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Johanna López

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 151 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/4/2026

Senate Floor Vote

Yes: 37 • No: 0

House vote • 2/25/2026

House Floor Vote

Yes: 114 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter No. 2026-78; Companion bill(s) passed, see CS/SB 1004 (Ch. 2026-76)

    5/13/2026

  2. Approved by Governor

    5/12/2026

  3. Signed by Officers and presented to Governor

    5/11/2026

  4. Ordered enrolled

    3/4/2026House

  5. In Messages

    3/4/2026House

  6. CS passed; YEAS 37 NAYS 0 -SJ 548

    3/4/2026Senate

  7. Read 3rd time -SJ 548

    3/4/2026Senate

  8. Read 2nd time -SJ 547

    3/4/2026Senate

  9. Substituted for CS/SB 676 -SJ 547

    3/4/2026Senate

  10. Placed on Calendar, on 2nd reading

    3/4/2026Senate

  11. Withdrawn from Rules -SJ 547

    3/4/2026Senate

  12. Received

    2/26/2026Senate

  13. Referred to Rules

    2/26/2026Senate

  14. In Messages

    2/25/2026Senate

  15. CS passed; YEAS 114, NAYS 0

    2/25/2026House

  16. Read 3rd time

    2/25/2026House

  17. Added to Third Reading Calendar

    2/25/2026House

  18. Read 2nd time

    2/25/2026House

  19. Bill added to Special Order Calendar (2/25/2026)

    2/19/2026House

  20. Added to Second Reading Calendar

    2/17/2026House

  21. Bill released to House Calendar

    2/17/2026House

  22. Reported out of Judiciary Committee

    2/17/2026House

  23. Favorable by Judiciary Committee

    2/17/2026House

  24. Added to Judiciary Committee agenda

    2/13/2026House

  25. Now in Judiciary Committee

    2/6/2026House

Bill Text

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