Governor Ron DeSantis signed two major pieces of legislation today in Palm Beach, effectively overhauling Florida’s animal welfare standards and the rules governing how pets are sold. The new laws, HB 559 and SB 1004,

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed two bills into law that increase penalties for animal cruelty and add new protections for pet buyers.

State wildlife officials intend to temporarily halt the importation of sloths into Florida as they reevaluate current permit rules for such exotic animals. The move is in response

Florida will launch a public, searchable animal abuse database on the FDLE website by Jan. 1, 2026. The new database is part of "Dexter's Law," which also increased penalties for aggravated animal abuse. The law is named after Dexter, a dog who was adopted ...

LAKE BUTLER, Fla. – More than 50 people from 12 different animal advocacy organizations and shelters in Florida have signed a 197-page complaint, requesting the state review and potentially launch an investigation into the Union County Animal Control Office.

The last outbreak in the U.S. occurred in September 2016, when NWS was confirmed in Key deer from a wildlife refuge in Monroe County, Florida.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV/Gray Florida Capital Bureau) - Florida lawmakers are prioritizing animal safety. The legislature has proposed a set of bills that will closely monitor animal cruelty in the state. This would allow veterinarians to report suspected ...

Florida state law does not specify a time limit for leaving a dog at home alone. Pet owners must provide adequate food, water, exercise, and fresh air for their animals. Local city or county ordinances may have stricter rules, such as Pasco County's 24 ...

PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — Florida has launched its first statewide registry of convicted animal abusers, a public database intended to help shelters and the public keep animals out of the hands of people found guilty of aggravated animal cruelty.

It’s critical that we protect both animal habitats and Florida’s growing population as our state continues to expand.