Trooper’s Law

Trooper’s Law, officially known as Florida Senate Bill 150, is legislation that makes it a felony to restrain and abandon a dog outdoors during a declared natural disaster or while a mandatory or voluntary evacuation order is in effect.

This means that if a dog is tied up and left outside during a hurricane or other emergency, the responsible person can face a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

The law is named after Trooper, a bull terrier rescued by a Florida Highway Patrol trooper during Hurricane Milton. The law was signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on May 28, 2025, alongside Dexter’s Law.

What Trooper’s Law Does

• Makes it a felony to restrain and abandon a dog outdoors during a declared natural disaster
• Applies during mandatory or voluntary evacuation orders
• Creates stronger consequences for disaster-time animal abandonment
• Strengthens prevention by making penalties clear and enforceable

Why This Matters

Trooper’s Law helps prevent some of the most heartbreaking cruelty seen during hurricanes and evacuations—when animals are left restrained with no escape. By making this conduct a felony, Florida strengthened accountability and sent a clear message: animals cannot be abandoned to suffer during emergencies.

Sources & Citations

Official Governor’s Office press release

Governor Ron DeSantis signs Trooper’s Law and Dexter’s Law (May 28, 2025)

Florida Senate bill page (SB 150)

CS/SB 150 — Abandoning Restrained Dogs During Natural Disasters (“Trooper’s Law”)

News coverage

WCTV — Governor DeSantis signs Trooper’s Law; effective October 1