Florida has expanded its animal cruelty protections after Governor Ron DeSantis officially signed CS/HB 559 into law Tuesday, strengthening criminal penalties for animal abuse and adding new safeguards involving crimes committed in the presence of children or involving minors. The legislation was co-sponsored by State Senator Kristen Arrington alongside State Representative Linda Chaney.

Arrington said the new law focuses on prevention, accountability, and protecting vulnerable animals and children across Florida communities.

“This legislation is about prevention, compassion, and ensuring that children grow up in safe and healthy environments,” Senator Arrington added. “I am grateful to work on initiatives that protect our children and our animals, and I am thankful for the diligence and dedication from legislative partners, advocates, law enforcement professionals, and community members who helped support this effort.”

Arrington said the legislation strengthens protections for animals and children by increasing penalties for acts of animal cruelty committed in the presence of a minor or involving a child, while also supporting intervention efforts aimed at preventing future abuse.

Under the newly signed law, adults who cause or encourage minors to participate in aggravated animal cruelty, animal fighting, or sexual abuse involving animals can now face felony charges. The legislation also increases criminal penalties tied to animal fighting and baiting offenses under Florida’s Criminal Punishment Code.

Governor DeSantis said the legislation continues Florida’s efforts to strengthen protections for animals and hold abusers accountable.

“Florida has become a leader in protecting animals and holding accountable those who harm them,” DeSantis said. “Today, we built on that record with new legislation to strengthen penalties for animal abuse and improve consumer protections for pet owners.”

The legislation also requires juveniles convicted of animal cruelty offenses to undergo psychological evaluation and treatment when necessary. In addition, the law expands Florida’s animal abuse offender database maintained by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and gives local governments stronger enforcement tools by increasing civil penalties for animal cruelty ordinance violations and repeat offenses.

“I’m proud to have sponsored this important legislation with State Representative Linda Chaney to help keep our communities safer and protect those who cannot speak for themselves,” Arrington added.

Representative Chaney said the legislation continues efforts to address animal abuse while also helping break cycles of violence and improving intervention opportunities for young offenders.

“CS/HB 559 Animal Welfare builds on Dexter’s Law that I passed last year to further protect animals and our communities,” Chaney said. “The bill redirects juveniles onto a path of improved mental health and breaks the cycle of animal abuse, strengthens tools for shelters and rescues to keep animals out of the hands of known abusers, and empowers local governments to stop animal cruelty in their communities. People who abuse animals are five times more likely to harm people.”

The signing of CS/HB 559 continues a broader push by Florida lawmakers to strengthen animal welfare protections statewide. In 2025, Governor DeSantis signed both “Trooper’s Law” and “Dexter’s Law,” increasing penalties for abandoning animals during natural disasters and enhancing sentencing guidelines for severe acts of animal abuse.

Alongside HB 559, Governor DeSantis also signed SB 1004, legislation aimed at strengthening consumer protections related to pet sales, financing, and pet ownership accountability throughout Florida.