As the 2026 Florida Legislative Session concludes its policy calendar, the American Kennel Club (AKC) Government Relations team is pleased to provide a final update on key legislative outcomes impacting dog owners, breeders, and the broader purebred community across the state. While the Legislature will reconvene budget negotiations, all substantive policy matters of relevance to AKC and our partners in the Florida Association of Kennel Clubs (FAKC) have now been finalized.
Key Legislation: Breeder Regulations
This session was largely defined by continued efforts to regulate dog breeding in Florida, particularly through proposals that would have established statewide registration frameworks, inspection requirements, and prescriptive operational standards for breeders.
Notably, SB 1356 / HB 1521 initially proposed significant regulatory changes, including mandatory breeder registration, facility oversight, and state-directed standards of care. These provisions raised substantial concerns among AKC and stakeholders due to their broad scope and potential impact on responsible hobby breeders.
Final Outcome: SB 1004 (Consumer Protection Bill)
Following extensive stakeholder engagement and legislative negotiations, key elements of the breeder legislation were ultimately amended and incorporated into SB 1004.
Importantly, the final version reflects a significant shift in approach:
- Removes mandatory statewide breeder registration requirements,
- Eliminates the creation of a new regulatory licensing structure for breeders,
- Directs the state to develop voluntary best management practices for dog breeding, and
- Maintains a focus on consumer protections, including transparency and remedies for purchasers.
AKC notes that the enacted provisions represent non-controversial, collaborative elements of earlier proposals and avoid the more extremist regulatory framework that was first introduced in 2023.
AKC Engagement and Impact
Throughout session, AKC Government Relations worked closely with FAKC, local kennel clubs, and individual advocates to:
- Educate lawmakers on the role and responsibility of preservation breeders;
- Advocate against overbroad regulatory frameworks that would impact hobbyists and small-scale breeders; and
- Support reasonable, enforceable policies that prioritize animal welfare without unintended consequences.
This coordinated engagement was instrumental in ensuring that the final legislation reflects a balanced approach, preserving the ability of responsible breeders to continue their work while advancing consumer awareness.
Additional Legislative Context
The broader policy conversation this session also included:
- Increased legislative interest in addressing so-called “puppy mills” and unethical breeding practices;
- Proposals to enhance enforcement tools and transparency in animal sales; and
- Ongoing discussions around the appropriate role of state agencies, including the Florida Departments of Business and Professional Regulation and Agriculture and Consumer Services, in animal-related oversight.
These themes are expected to remain active in future sessions.
Looking Ahead
While the conclusion of the state policy calendar marks a significant milestone, AKC Government Relations will continue to:
- Monitor implementation of SB 1004 and any rulemaking related to voluntary best practices,
- Engage with state agencies as they develop guidance impacting breeders,
- Prepare for potential reintroduction of more expansive regulatory proposals in future sessions, and
- Address local issues impact responsible dog owners and breeders.
AKC remains committed to working collaboratively with lawmakers, stakeholders, and the breeder community to ensure that Florida policies support responsible dog ownership, protect animal welfare, and preserve the rights of dedicated breeders.
Conclusion
The 2026 session reflects a meaningful outcome for Florida’s dog community. Through strong advocacy and partnership, the most burdensome provisions were mitigated, and a more measured policy framework was adopted.
AKC appreciates the continued leadership and engagement of our FAKC partners and all advocates who contributed to this successful effort.
For more information about Florida legislative issues, contact AKC Government Relations at doglaw@akc.org.