Florida Enacts Two Powerful New Laws to Combat Pet Abandonment and Cruelty Statewide

Florida has taken bold steps to safeguard pets from neglect and abuse with two new laws signed in May 2025. Named Trooper’s Law and Dexter’s Law, these measures respond to public dismay over animals suffering in disasters and at the hands of abusers. They signal a commitment to stronger legal protections for pets, driven by cases that struck a chord with communities.

The laws stem from incidents that exposed weaknesses in animal welfare protections. Trooper’s Law honors a bull terrier found chained as Hurricane Milton approached in 2024, saved by Florida Highway Patrol. Dexter’s Law commemorates a shelter dog killed brutally in Pinellas County soon after adoption. Both cases fueled demands for change.

Senate Bill 150, known as Trooper’s Law, classifies restraining and abandoning a dog during a natural disaster or evacuation as a third-degree felony. Violators face up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. The law also establishes misdemeanor penalties for neglecting confined animals’ needs, such as food, water, or exercise, tackling everyday neglect.

House Bill 255, or Dexter’s Law, ramps up consequences for aggravated animal cruelty. It applies a 1.25 sentencing multiplier to enhance penalties and creates Florida’s first animal abuser registry. This database seeks to monitor convicted abusers, limiting their access to animals, though its design prompts questions about enforcement.

Florida’s efforts mirror a nationwide surge in animal welfare reforms. States like Washington and Colorado have tightened laws on animal fighting and farm animal confinement, while Massachusetts has banned exotic animal performances. Federally, the Better CARE for Animals Act, reintroduced in 2025, aims to strengthen Animal Welfare Act enforcement, reflecting cross-party support for animal protections.

The push for reform has roots in past crises, like Hurricane Katrina in 2005, when thousands of pets were abandoned. The federal PETS Act followed, requiring animal-inclusive disaster plans. Yet, ASPCA data reveals that many pet owners in high-risk areas lack preparedness plans, leaving pets at risk during emergencies.

Dexter’s Law’s animal abuser registry has divided opinions. Proponents say it equips shelters and communities to screen out dangerous individuals, enhancing animal safety. However, research from Faunalytics and the ASPCA questions registries’ effectiveness in reducing repeat offenses, citing risks like plea bargaining or social consequences for registrants, such as job loss.

Earlier registry attempts, including Florida’s failed 2017 proposal, struggled with funding and limited scope. Critics argue that resources might be better spent on rehabilitation or psychological evaluations to address cruelty’s underlying causes, raising concerns about the registry’s long-term impact.

Animal welfare advocates applaud Florida’s laws for spotlighting pet protection. Still, enforcement poses hurdles. Disaster plans often lack enough animal shelters or transport options, complicating compliance. The registry’s success depends on sustained funding and clear public access, which remain uncertain.

Public outcry, amplified online, has propelled these laws. Stories like Trooper’s and Dexter’s resonate with pet owners who view animals as family. Effective implementation will require state agencies, local governments, and animal welfare groups to collaborate, ensuring the laws deliver tangible protections.

Trooper’s and Dexter’s Laws represent progress in Florida’s animal welfare efforts, but their success rests on practical execution. Expanding access to pet-friendly shelters and evacuation resources could curb abandonment. The registry, meanwhile, needs careful oversight to ensure fairness and effectiveness.

Nationwide, lawmakers and advocates are advancing animal protections, from tougher federal enforcement to state bans on cruel practices. These efforts reflect a shared understanding of animals’ vulnerability and the need for systemic change. For pet owners, the laws offer reassurance that their companions face stronger safeguards.

As Florida rolls out these measures, the focus remains on balancing prevention with preparedness. The stories of Trooper and Dexter highlight the urgency of protecting animals, urging communities to work together to address cruelty and ensure safety in times of crisis.