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FloridaSB 1502025SenateWALLET

Abandoning Restrained Dogs During Natural Disasters

Sponsored By: Don Gaetz (Republican)

Signed by Governor

AppropriationCriminal JusticeAgricultureRulesHouse Calendar

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Felony penalties for abandoning tied dogs outdoors

Beginning October 1, 2025, Florida makes tying a dog outdoors during a defined disaster, then abandoning it, a third-degree felony. Restraint means attaching the dog to a fixed object or trolley system using a leash, chain, rope, or similar device. The disaster trigger is a National Weather Service hurricane, tropical storm, or tornado warning for a municipality or county. A mandatory or voluntary evacuation order for that area also triggers the rule. Abandonment includes completely forsaking the animal or neglecting or refusing legally required care and support. The offense carries felony penalties under state law, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Don Gaetz

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Criminal Justice

    Affiliation unavailable

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 187 • No: 0

House vote • 4/29/2025

House Floor Vote

Yes: 109 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/19/2025

Senate Floor Vote

Yes: 39 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/12/2025

Rules Vote

Yes: 25 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/3/2025

Agriculture Vote

Yes: 6 • No: 0

Senate vote • 2/11/2025

Criminal Justice Vote

Yes: 8 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter No. 2025-101

    5/29/2025

  2. Approved by Governor

    5/28/2025

  3. Signed by Officers and presented to Governor

    5/23/2025

  4. Ordered enrolled

    4/29/2025Senate

  5. CS passed; YEAS 109, NAYS 0

    4/29/2025House

  6. Read 3rd time

    4/29/2025House

  7. Added to Third Reading Calendar

    4/29/2025House

  8. Placed on 3rd reading

    4/29/2025House

  9. Read 2nd time

    4/29/2025House

  10. 1st Reading (Engrossed 1)

    4/28/2025House

  11. Bill added to Special Order Calendar (4/29/2025)

    4/28/2025House

  12. Bill referred to House Calendar

    4/28/2025House

  13. In Messages

    3/19/2025House

  14. Immediately certified -SJ 242

    3/19/2025Senate

  15. CS passed as amended; YEAS 39 NAYS 0 -SJ 235

    3/19/2025Senate

  16. Read 3rd time -SJ 235

    3/19/2025Senate

  17. Amendment(s) adopted (376058) -SJ 234

    3/19/2025Senate

  18. Read 2nd time -SJ 234

    3/19/2025Senate

  19. Placed on Special Order Calendar, 03/19/25

    3/17/2025Senate

  20. Placed on Calendar, on 2nd reading

    3/12/2025Senate

  21. Favorable by- Rules; YEAS 25 NAYS 0

    3/12/2025Senate

  22. On Committee agenda-- Rules, 03/12/25, 11:00 am, 412 Knott Building

    3/7/2025Senate

  23. CS by Criminal Justice read 1st time

    3/4/2025Senate

  24. Introduced

    3/4/2025Senate

  25. Now in Rules

    3/4/2025Senate

Bill Text

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