Floridians are well-acquainted with the destructive power of hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters. But one often-overlooked consequence of these emergencies is the suffering of animals—especially dogs—that are restrained and abandoned outdoors during evacuations.
To address this, the Florida Legislature passed Senate Bill 150, known as “Trooper’s Law.” This legislation introduces a new third-degree felony offense for individuals who restrain and abandon a dog outdoors during a declared emergency, such as a hurricane or state-mandated evacuation.
Beginning October 1, 2025, this conduct will be treated as a criminal offense punishable by up to five years in prison.
What Is Trooper’s Law?
Trooper’s Law (SB 150) creates a new felony-level crime under Florida’s animal cruelty statutes. It specifically targets a narrow but serious form of abuse: leaving a dog restrained and unattended outside during a declared state of emergency or natural disaster.
Key Elements of the Offense:
- The dog is knowingly left outdoors
- The dog is tethered, kenneled, or otherwise physically restrained
- The incident occurs during an officially declared state of emergency
- The owner or caretaker fails to retrieve or relocate the dog
- This law is not a general animal cruelty statute—it is narrowly tailored to criminalize specific conduct during times of crisis when the animal cannot escape or protect itself.
Penalties for Violating Trooper’s Law
Violating Trooper’s Law constitutes a third-degree felony under Florida law. That means a conviction may result in:
- Up to 5 years in Florida State Prison
- Up to $5,000 in fines
- 5 years of probation (as an alternative to incarceration)
- A permanent felony conviction
- Potential prohibition from owning animals in the future
- Mandatory community service or animal cruelty counseling
- As with all felony offenses, additional consequences may include the loss of civil rights (e.g., voting or firearm possession), immigration consequences for non-citizens, and restrictions on employment, housing, and licensing.
Why the Law Was Passed: Protecting Dogs During Disasters
Florida legislators introduced this law in response to multiple reports of dogs being left tethered, caged, or confined outdoors during hurricanes and floods—sometimes without food, water, or shelter. In several high-profile cases, dogs drowned, died from heatstroke, or suffered prolonged exposure while owners evacuated to safety.
The law is named after “Trooper,” a K-9 police dog, symbolizing the state’s recognition of the bond between humans and animals, and the duty of care owed to pets during life-threatening conditions.
Legislative Sponsors:
- Sen. Matt Gaetz
- Rep. Griff Griffitts
Legislative History:
- Passed unanimously
- Signed by the Governor on May 28, 2025
- Takes effect on October 1, 2025
Examples of Conduct Covered by Trooper’s Law
Understanding what is and is not covered by this law is essential. Below are common examples of situations that would likely trigger criminal charges under the statute:
Example 1: Hurricane Evacuation
A tropical storm is upgraded to a Category 3 hurricane, and the Governor declares a state of emergency. A homeowner ties their dog to a chain in the backyard and evacuates the area, leaving the animal exposed to wind, rain, and flying debris. This is now a felony.
Example 2: Flood Warning
A family places their dog in an outdoor kennel before leaving town ahead of forecasted flooding. They do not leave food, water, or a means of escape. If the area was under a declared emergency, this may be prosecuted under Trooper’s Law—even if the dog survives. Intent and risk are sufficient.
Example 3: Wildfire
During a declared state of emergency due to wildfires, an individual leaves a restrained dog on their property while evacuating. Even if the fire never reaches the home, the act of restraining and abandoning the dog is itself the offense. No actual injury to the dog is required.
What Trooper’s Law Does Not Cover
Trooper’s Law does not criminalize every situation in which a dog is left outdoors. Examples that do not fall under the statute include:
- Leaving a dog unrestrained (not tethered or caged) with the ability to seek shelter or escape (though this may still be charged under other cruelty laws).
- Restraint outside of a declared emergency period.
- Emergency circumstances in which a person is physically unable to retrieve the dog and made a good-faith effort to arrange care.
- In these cases, charges might still be brought under existing animal neglect or abandonment laws, but not under SB 150 specifically.
Legal Issues & Common Defenses
As with all felony offenses, the burden of proof lies with the State. The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant:
- Knew about the declared emergency
- Knowingly restrained and left the dog outdoors
- Had a reasonable opportunity to retrieve or relocate the animal but failed to do so
Possible Defenses:
- The dog was not restrained or was in an enclosed structure with adequate shelter
- The defendant was unaware of the emergency declaration
- The defendant made arrangements for someone else to care for the dog
- The defendant was incapacitated or evacuated for a medical emergency
- The dog was in the process of being rescued by emergency personnel or volunteers
- Each case will be fact-specific. Intent, opportunity, and knowledge will be at the heart of most defenses.
Why This Matters
Many Floridians do not realize that animal abandonment can lead to a felony record. A conviction under Trooper’s Law may result in prison, probation, and severe reputational and financial harm.
It also opens the door for:
- Civil lawsuits for animal cruelty
- Media attention and public backlash
- Child custody concerns in family law proceedings
- Barriers to pet ownership in the future
- For pet owners, this law is a reminder of legal and ethical responsibilities. For defendants, it’s a charge that must be taken extremely seriously.
How Carlson, Meissner & Hayslett Can Help
If you or someone you know has been charged under SB 150 or any animal-related felony offense in Florida, our firm can help.
With more than 50 years of experience, Carlson, Meissner & Hayslett, P.A. provides comprehensive criminal defense representation throughout the Tampa Bay area, including:
- Clearwater
- Tampa
- St. Petersburg
- New Port Richey
- Bradenton
- Spring Hill
Our legal team includes:
- Former prosecutors who know how these cases are built
- Board-certified criminal trial lawyers
- Attorneys with experience defending high-profile and emotionally sensitive charges
We will investigate the facts, challenge the evidence, and pursue every available defense to protect your rights and reputation.
Contact Us for a Confidential Consultation
If you’re facing a charge under Florida’s new Trooper’s Law, time is of the essence.
Call us today at (727) 443-1562 or request a confidential consultation at www.carlsonmeissner.com
