TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — As of October 1, 2025, Florida is enforcing a new law that criminalizes leaving dogs restrained outdoors during natural disasters and states of emergency, transforming conduct once handled informally into felony‑level criminal charges in many circumstances. The legislation, known officially as Senate Bill 150 and widely referred to as “Trooper’s Law,” was signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on May 28, 2025 after unanimous passage in the Florida Legislature.
The law specifically targets animal abandonment during emergencies such as hurricanes, floods, wildfires, or other disasters for which a state of emergency has been declared by the Governor. Under the new statute, anyone who restrains a dog outdoors during a declared emergency and leaves the dog unattended may face a third‑degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
Background: Why the Law Was Passed
Trooper’s Law was inspired by a high‑profile incident during Hurricane Milton in 2024, when a dog was found tethered and abandoned along Interstate 75 near Tampa while the storm approached. Florida Highway Patrol troopers stalled traffic and waded through rising waters to rescue the animal, who was later named Trooper in honor of the officers who saved him. The image of the frightened dog, left behind in flood conditions, spread widely across media and drew significant public outrage.
Lawmakers noted that existing animal cruelty statutes did not always apply cleanly to abandonment in the context of rapidly evolving emergencies, leading them to craft legislation that would specifically cover these crisis situations. Before Trooper’s Law, prosecutors often relied on broader cruelty or confinement statutes that could be difficult to apply when no other abuse indicators were present.
The bill passed the Florida Senate unanimously and ultimately cleared the House, reflecting broad bipartisan support. Senate sponsors included Don Gaetz and several cosponsors, and the measure became Chapter No. 2025‑101 upon enactment.
What the Law Means for Pet Owners
Under Trooper’s Law, a dog left chained, caged, tethered, or otherwise restrained outside during a state of emergency may lead to criminal prosecution even if the dog survives the crisis. The statute does not require proof of physical harm or death for the felony charge to apply, only that the dog was knowingly left in those conditions during the emergency period.
Supporters of the legislation emphasize that it pushes dog owners to take responsibility for their dogs as part of emergency planning, particularly in a state as prone to hurricanes, flooding, and other severe weather as Florida. Critics have raised concerns that well‑intentioned but unfortunate circumstances might lead to prosecutions without adequate consideration of context, such as forced evacuations, transportation failures, or other barriers during a crisis.
Local emergency managers and animal welfare advocates have pointed to expanding “pet‑friendly” evacuations and shelters as part of broader efforts to ensure both people and animals can safely evacuate disaster zones. Some counties now provide pet shelters or partner with hotels to accommodate evacuees and their pets.
Early Enforcement and Public Reaction
As the law has taken effect, prosecutors and law enforcement officers are beginning to interpret how it will be applied. In some early instances, felony charges filed under the new statute have drawn significant media attention, including at least one case in Hillsborough County that was dismissed after prosecutors determined the evidence was insufficient to move forward.
Animal welfare groups have broadly praised the law as a necessary tool to deter abandonment and protect pets who cannot fend for themselves in dangerous conditions. At the same time, legal advocates caution pet owners and residents about the risks of facing felony charges if emergency plans do not include pets or if rescue efforts go awry.
Complementary Animal Protection Measures
Trooper’s Law was signed alongside Dexter’s Law, another animal protection measure that increases penalties for aggravated cruelty and establishes a statewide animal abuser registry for repeat offenders. Together, these laws represent a broader shift in how Florida addresses animal welfare and accountability for mistreatment or neglect.
What Comes Next
With the law now in force, it is likely that prosecutors across the state will begin integrating Trooper’s Law into disaster response protocols. Defense attorneys and criminal justice advocates are already preparing strategies for representing clients who may be charged under the statute, including challenging whether a state of emergency was in effect or whether the owner took reasonable steps under difficult circumstances.
As Florida’s hurricane season approaches and emergency preparations intensify, pet owners are being reminded by officials and shelter advocates to include animals in evacuation plans and to make concrete arrangements for safe sheltering before disasters strike.
Trooper’s Law reflects growing recognition of both the emotional bond between people and their pets and the legal duty owners have to ensure their animals’ safety during extraordinary events. Its impact is expected to be felt in courts, communities, and households across the state in the coming years.