Dexter's Law — Florida's New Animal Cruelty Penalties and Public Registry

I'm taking you through the key parts of Dexter's Law, what's changed in Florida's animal‑cruelty statutes, helpful pet‑care tips, what to do if you're accused, and why talking to a private defense attorney matters.

When you're looking at Dexter's Law (HB 255) it changed things in a serious way. First, the statute itself: section 828.12(7), Florida Statutes now reads (added by Dexter's Law):

"Beginning January 1, 2026, the Department of Law Enforcement shall post on its website, in a searchable format prescribed by the department, the names of those individuals who have been convicted of, or who have entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a violation of this section."

Then the Criminal Punishment Code change at section 921.0024(1)(a), Florida Statutes: if the primary offense is aggravated animal cruelty under § 828.12(2), that is, the knowing and intentional torture, torment, mutilation, or killing of a companion animal, the subtotal sentencing points are multiplied by 1.25.

What that means in practice

If you're convicted of aggravated animal cruelty, you're facing a 1.25 sentencing multiplier. That can make the difference between probation and prison time. Under prior law, aggravated animal cruelty was a third‑degree felony, scoring 28 points on the Criminal Punishment Code worksheet. Applying the 1.25 multiplier raises it to 35 points, which can push your total above thresholds that mandate prison terms.

Then, beginning January 1, 2026, Florida's FDLE must publish a public online registry of individuals who've either been convicted or pled guilty or no contest, even if adjudication was withheld. Once your name is on that registry, there's no getting off. The law doesn't allow sealing, expungement, or deletion.

Responsible pet care tips, especially during heatwaves

I always tell clients: care for your pets like they're watching you. If you leave them outdoors and temperatures climb, that's neglect under the statute. Make sure animals have shade, fresh water, and ventilation when it's hot. Never leave a pet in a parked car, even with the windows cracked. If you're short on ideas, consider buying a pet‑safe cooling mat or providing frozen water bottles. It's practical, humane, and can save you from a charge.

If someone confronts you about animal care, especially if a neighbor or officer is involved, stay calm, collect your records (vet visits, receipts), and don't say more than needed. That's where an attorney becomes essential: you need someone who knows how to preserve your reputation and avoid missteps that could make things worse.

Why a private attorney matters at every step

I've seen cases where someone did something unintentional, a pet got loose, maybe got injured by someone else, and escalating conflict led to charges of neglect or worse. Having someone who can analyze the facts, question the intent, and keep your name off that registry is not optional; it's essential.

A case I handled successfully

I represented a client whose neighbor accused her of neglect after her dog barked nonstop all night. The neighbor called animal control; they cited her. But I dug deeper. I discovered the dog had a medical condition causing discomfort, and the client was actively treating it. We presented vet records, medication logs, and screenshots of messages with the vet. I argued before the hearing officer that there was no "knowing or intentional" cruelty, and that her care was consistent with good pet care, just a sad but treatable condition. The citation was dismissed. She walked away without a blemish on her record and certainly never reached the registry.

That result came because we acted immediately, documented everything, and challenged the framing. If she'd waited and tried to handle it herself, it could have escalated, and under Dexter's Law, any plea or adjudication would land her on the registry for life.

Other relevant Florida statutes to know

  • § 828.12, F.S. – defines cruelty to animals (now with the new registry provision at subsection (7)).
  • § 921.0024, F.S. – the Criminal Punishment Code worksheet, now requires applying a 1.25 multiplier when aggravated animal cruelty is the primary offense.
  • The prior version, aggravated animal cruelty, was a third‑degree felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine, under Florida law.
  • Other time‑limited registries exist (e.g., Hillsborough County's local registry keeps offenders for 5 to 10 years depending on the conviction), but Dexter's Law makes this state‑wide and indefinite.

If you're under investigation or just worried that a misunderstanding could land you in court, having a defense attorney is the step that protects your freedom, your reputation, and your future ability to care for pets.

Florida Animal Cruelty Frequently Asked Questions 

What exactly qualifies as "aggravated animal cruelty"?

It's when someone knowingly and intentionally tortures, torments, mutilates, or kills a companion animal. That's different from neglect or an accident. Intent matters. A veterinarian mistakenly prescribing the wrong dosage isn't cruelty. But deliberately harming, yes, that's aggravated.

Does Dexter's Law apply even if I don't get convicted?

Yes. If you plea guilty or nolo contendere, even with adjudication withheld, your name still ends up on the registry. That's why fighting charges fully is so important.

How long will my name stay online?

The law doesn't allow removal, sealing, or expungement. Indefinitely. Once you're in, you're in, unless the legislature changes that.

Can I still own or adopt a pet if I'm on the registry?

The law doesn't explicitly ban pet ownership, but shelters, rescues, and sellers may check the registry and refuse to place animals with you. Having a lawyer who can challenge access to the registry or contest a listing can make a real difference.

What's the impact of the 1.25 multiplier?

It amplifies your sentencing points. If a third‑degree felony originally scored 28 points, the multiplier makes it 35. That could push you into mandatory prison time rather than probation or community control.

Are there defenses I can raise?

Yes. You can argue lack of intent, challenge that the animal hurt itself or someone else harmed it, or present evidence of prompt, responsible care. Medical necessity, veterinary error, not necessarily illegal. A lawyer can craft those arguments and present facts clearly.

Why do I need a private lawyer instead of public defender?

A public defender is skilled and dedicated, but they're overwhelmed with cases. A private criminal defense attorney can invest time into your records, talk to witnesses, negotiate aggressively, and potentially avoid the registry. Even one clean win can make a world of difference.

What if I've been cited for neglect during a heatwave?

Document your actions, when you walked your pet, vet visits, cooling measures inside. If you're proactive and have evidence, a defense attorney can challenge a simple citation, creating a record that looks protective, not negligent.

Does this law impact hunters or farmers?

No. Dexter's Law is narrowly tailored to apply to domestic companion animals and explicitly excludes agricultural animals or permitted captive wildlife.

When does the registry go live?

Implementation must be by January 1, 2026. If you're facing charges now or later this year, there's still time to avoid having your name added.

Contact Musca Law 24/7/365 at 1-888-484-5057 For Your FREE Consultation

Musca Law, P.A. has a team of experienced criminal defense attorneys dedicated to defending people charged with a criminal or traffic offense, available 24/7/365 at 1-888-484-5057 for your FREE consultation. We have over 30 office locations in Florida and serve all counties in Florida.