On May 28, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis signed Florida Senate Bill 150, Trooper’s Law, making it a third-degree felony to restrain and abandon a dog outdoors during a declared natural disaster or at any time in which a mandatory or voluntary evacuation order is in effect.
Governor DeSantis also signed Florida House Bill 255, Dexter’s Law, to strengthen penalties for aggravated animal cruelty and ensure that offenders face appropriate criminal penalties.
“Across Florida, we have seen horrifying instances of animal cruelty that demand a stronger response,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I was proud to sign Trooper’s Law and Dexter’s Law today. Florida stands by man’s best friend.”
Trooper’s Law: Protecting Animals During Disasters
Senate Bill 150, dubbed Trooper’s Law, was inspired by a harrowing incident during Hurricane Milton in 2024, when a dog was found chained and abandoned in the storm’s path, only to be rescued by the Florida Highway Patrol.
The law 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 face up to five years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
Trooper’s Law also establishes first-degree misdemeanor penalties for not providing confined animals with sufficient food, water, or exercise, as well as for abandoning animals in non-emergency situations. These violations come with substantial fines to hold individuals accountable for neglect.
Dexter’s Law: Tougher Penalties and a Statewide Abuser Registry
House Bill 255, called Dexter’s Law, is named after a shelter dog that was brutally killed in Pinellas County soon after being adopted. The law makes the punishment for serious animal cruelty harsher by adding a 1.25 sentencing multiplier, which means tougher penalties for people who commit these crimes.
It also sets up Florida’s first animal abuser registry, an important system to keep track of people who hurt animals, stop future abuse, and protect communities by making sure those with a history of cruelty can’t easily get animals.
A Stronger Stance Against Animal Cruelty
Trooper’s Law and Dexter’s Law are big steps forward for Florida in stopping animal cruelty and neglect, especially during emergencies like hurricanes. These laws make it a serious crime—a felony—to leave dogs behind during disasters and create ways to track and punish people who mistreat animals. This helps prevent abuse and ensures justice for animals that can’t protect themselves.
People who care about animal welfare are thrilled about these laws, seeing them as crucial to keeping pets safe and holding those responsible accountable. Since Florida often deals with hurricanes and other disasters, Trooper’s Law makes sure animals aren’t left behind, while Dexter’s Law sets a strict standard for dealing with animal cruelty.
