photo #8874300

Before you say yes to a new pet owner, what if you could check their past in seconds?Florida is set to launch a statewide animal abuse database on January 1, 2026.The idea is that shelters and rescues can look up whether a potential adopter has an animal cruelty conviction or plea on record.The database is part of a new state law called Dexter’s Law. It requires the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to post names in a searchable format.Supporters say it helps stop repeat abuse by making screening easier across county lines.It also means the public can do a quick check when rehoming a pet, not just shelters.Like any database, it will only be as useful as the records that go into it. But for many animal workers, this is a tool they have wanted for a long time.ReferencesStatewide database of convicted animal abusers coming to Florida - Bay News 9 (Spectrum News)CS/HB 255: Aggravated Animal Cruelty - The Florida SenateChapter 2025-102 (Committee Substitute for House Bill No. 255) - Laws of FloridaNote: The images used in this post have been created using AI for illustration purposes only.