Florida Bill Signed by Governor Ron DeSantis to Protect First Responder Animal Rights

Today, Governor DeSantis signed bill HB 1047. The bill increases the penalty from a first-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree felony for anyone that "intentionally" and "maliciously" touches, strikes, or causes bodily harm to dogs and horses that are working with police, search and rescue, and/or firefighters.

Florida has long recognized the importance of protecting animals that serve the public.

Fla. Stat. § 843.19, first enacted in 1981, already made it a crime to intentionally injure or interfere with police dogs and horses.

Over the years, the Legislature has amended the statute multiple times — most recently in 2023 (Ch. 2023-110, Laws of Florida) — to expand protections for law enforcement animals.

With the signing of HB 1047, Governor DeSantis has taken those protections a step further. The new law raises the penalty from a first-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree felony for anyone who intentionally and maliciously harms dogs or horses working with police, search and rescue, or firefighters. It also makes it a felony to knowingly and willfully resist or obstruct these animals by offering or doing violence against them.

This update shows Florida’s commitment to treating service animals as more than just “property.” They are vital partners in public safety, and the law now reflects that reality.

You can watch Attorney Carolina Nunez explain on a MegaTV interview more about animal laws and dog law in Florida.

Here, at The Law Offices of Carolina Nunez, P.A. -- we are advocates for animal rights. We handle pet trusts with our Florida estate planning and can help you draft a pet custody agreement so your furry friend stays protected. Call (407) 900-FIRM. Hablamos Español.