Florida is enforcing tougher protections for both people and animals through several new laws starting July 1, 2025.
HB 593, the “Pam Rock Act,” was named after a mail carrier fatally mauled by dogs. The law now requires owners of dangerous dogs to microchip their pets, carry at least $100,000 in liability insurance, and surrender animals under investigation. Authorities now have the power to seize and euthanize dangerous dogs, with harsher penalties for noncompliance.
HB 255, or “Dexter’s Law,” requires the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to publish names of individuals convicted of aggravated animal cruelty online. The law is named after a dog gruesomely killed shortly after being adopted. It also stiffens penalties for severe abuse.
On the roads, HB 351 targets extreme speeding. Driving 50 mph over the limit (or 100 mph total) now carries jail time—up to 30 days for a first offense, and 90 days for repeat violations, plus hefty fines.
HB 279 addresses “swatting” crimes—false emergency calls that draw armed law enforcement responses. If such a prank leads to death, it’s now a second-degree felony; serious injury bumps it to a third-degree felony. Repeat offenders could also face restitution fines for police and victim costs.
Finally, HB 913 offers financial relief to condo owners by extending the deadline for building safety inspections and allowing temporary reserve funding pauses—meant to ease burdens created after the tragic Surfside collapse.
Florida’s latest batch of legislation reflects a dual focus on protecting its residents—human and animal alike—while responding to growing safety, affordability, and criminal justice concerns across the state.
