The Florida Legislature has given final approval to a consumer protection bill that also includes non-controversial elements of amended breeder-focused legislation.
History
The American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Florida Association of Kennel Clubs (FAKC) expressed significant concerns with House Bill 1521 as introduced, which would have required (1) Florida dog breeders and dog breeding facilities to register with the state, (2) the creation of “best management practices” regulations, (3) annual and complaint-based inspections of dog breeders, and (4) the creation of a whistleblower program.
Advocacy efforts of AKC, FAKC, and allied stakeholders resulted in significant amendments to HB 1521, including changing the required breeder registration and regulations to a voluntary program.
As the legislative session has neared its adjournment, further amended language from HB 1521 was incorporated into an amended version of another bill, Senate Bill 1004, which originally sought to update consumer protections for Floridians who purchase pets from “pet dealers.” Because the Florida Senate had already approved SB 1004, the bill received final legislative approval when the Florida House unanimously passed amended SB 1004 late Monday, March 9th.
Summary of the Legislation
As passed, the legislation reflects a significantly narrowed approach compared to earlier versions of HB 1521. The final bill directs the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation to develop and publish a list of voluntary best practices related to animal adoption, breeding, and care. Importantly, the final version removes the creation of a formal regulatory program, instead focusing on voluntary guidance and recommendations for stakeholders.
For purposes of the consumer protection law, the bill also increases the sales thresholds to qualify as a pet dealer, to three litters sold per year (from two) or 30 dogs sold per year (from 20).
Click here to read amended SB 1004.
Next Steps
SB 1004 will now be sent to Governor DeSantis for enactment or veto. AKC will continue to monitor the measure and provide updates as developments occur. Florida’s 2026 regular legislative session is scheduled to adjourn on Friday, March 13th, though it will likely reconvene soon afterward to continue work on finalizing the state’s budget.
For more information, contact AKC Government Relations at doglaw@akc.org; or the Florida Association of Kennel Clubs at Jseltrecht123@gmail.com.