DeSantis signs major animal and firearm laws in Florida
Share this @internewscast.com

Florida Governor DeSantis has approved three significant bills that enhance animal protection statutes and modify gun laws related to emergency situations, with hurricane season on the horizon.

FLORIDA, USA — Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida endorsed three pivotal pieces of legislation on Wednesday, which bring considerable reforms to how animals are protected and adjust firearm rules as the state prepares for upcoming hurricanes.

Trooper’s law targets pet abandonment during disasters

The introduction of Senate Bill 150, also called Trooper’s Law, now classifies leaving a dog restrained and alone outside during a declared natural disaster or under an evacuation order as a third-degree felony.

The law was inspired by the rescue of Trooper, a bull terrier found chained in rising floodwaters along Interstate 75 during Hurricane Milton last year.

Under the new statute, offenders face up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

The law also classifies failing to provide confined animals with adequate food, water, or exercise as a first-degree misdemeanor, with similar financial penalties.

Dexter’s law increases penalties for animal cruelty

House Bill 255, Dexter’s Law, is named after a shelter dog killed days after being adopted.

The law enhances penalties for aggravated animal cruelty, introducing a 1.25 sentencing multiplier for the most severe offenses.

It also establishes Florida’s first public animal abuser database, requiring law enforcement to post the names of convicted offenders online.

The database, managed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, gives shelters and the public a tool to identify and avoid known abusers.

HB 6025 changes firearm rules during emergencies

The third measure, House Bill 6025, repeals Florida’s automatic restrictions on the possession and carrying of firearms and ammunition during declared emergencies.

Previously, a state of emergency triggered a ban on carrying or purchasing firearms and ammunition, regardless of whether the person was otherwise law-abiding.

With this change, lawful gun owners retain their rights during emergencies, as long as they comply with existing state laws.

Supporters argue this ensures Floridians are not left defenseless during crises, while critics have raised concerns about potential public safety risks.

Immediate impact and next steps

Dexter’s Law takes effect July 1, Trooper’s Law on October 1, and the firearm regulation changes are effective immediately.

Gov. DeSantis still has not taken action on a bill to repeal the so-called “Free Kill” law. 

He has until Friday to take action, sign or veto it. If he takes no action, it will become law without his signature.

A press conference is scheduled for noon Thursday regarding the repeal of the “free kill” law, with further updates expected from Tampa.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Yeah, The ‘Always Sunny’ / ‘Abbott Elementary’ Crossover Features Quinta Brunson Calling Dee a ‘Total F**king C**t,’ What About It?

Unexpected ‘Always Sunny’ and ‘Abbott Elementary’ Crossover: Quinta Brunson’s Bold Insult to Dee!

If the It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia and Abbott Elementary crossover is…
DHS arrests five illegal immigrants convicted of serious crimes, including murder and child abuse

DHS captures five undocumented individuals previously found guilty of severe offenses such as murder and child abuse

On Friday, the Department of Homeland Security reported the detention of five…
Former public school teacher, 33, charged after 'prolonged pattern of abuse' with teen boy

Ex-public school teacher, 33, faces charges for ‘extended abuse’ involving teenage boy

A former South Carolina teacher was charged with having a prolonged inappropriate…
Inside the shoe bomb plot that changed airport security and why the rule is now ending

A Look at the Shoe Bomb Plot that Transformed Airport Security and the Reasons Behind the Rule’s End

After nearly two decades of shuffling barefoot through airport security lines, American…
Woman with 'urgent message' for President Trump arrested near Mar-a-Lago security checkpoint

Woman Arrested Near Mar-a-Lago Security for Trying to Deliver Message to President Trump

A woman was taken into custody after she approached Mar-a-Lago, claiming she…
Damaged Camp Mystic mailbox in flood debris.

Heart-Wrenching Letters from Camp Mystic Kids Reach Families Days After Texas Floods Tragedy

Letters penned by young campers at Camp Mystic have begun reaching their…
America's 'most hated mom,' Casey Anthony, spotted on apparent date at sports bar

Casey Anthony Seen on Outing at Local Sports Bar: Reports

New images show “America’s most hated mom,” Casey Anthony, out on what…
Grieving mom of dead Camp Mystic camper desperately seeks daughter's 'most prized possession' lost in devastating Texas floods

Heartbroken Mother Seeks Lost Treasured Item of Late Camp Mystic Daughter After Texas Floods

A heartbroken Texas mother, whose 8-year-old daughter tragically passed away during catastrophic…
Nigel Farage on a boat, pointing towards a distant ship.

Farage Criticizes Macron’s Migrant Agreement, Claims It Pulls the UK Back Towards the EU

NIGEL Farage last night blasted Emmanuel Macron for blaming the small boats…
Trial date set for Austin Metcalf’s suspected killer in track meet stabbing

Court Date Scheduled for Austin Metcalf’s Alleged Track Meet Attacker

The 18-year-old suspect accused of killing high school track star Austin Metcalf…
Police investigating death of Maine paddleboarder as a homicide after discovery of body

Maine Paddleboarder’s Death Now Being Investigated as a Homicide After Body is Found

UNION, Maine — Police in Maine are investigating the death of a…
EMBARGOED TO 0001 SUNDAY JULY 6 File photo dated 10/06/25 of Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer during a reception for London Tech Week, at no 10 Downing Street, London. Sir Keir Starmer has been urged not to "punish" children by keeping the two-child cap following Labour's U-turn on benefit cuts. The SNP urged the Prime Minister to end the limit amid reports it could stay as a result of Labour scrapping most of its welfare reforms. Issue date: Sunday July 6, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire

Keir Affirms His Commitment to ‘Island of Strangers’ Message, Emphasizing the Need for UK to Be an Integrated Society

SIR Keir Starmer has affirmed his ongoing commitment to the message behind…