ROYAL PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Legislation signed into law Wednesday by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will impose tougher penalties on people who abandon pets during natural disasters, a measure inspired by the rescue of a dog left in floodwaters during Hurricane Milton.

With the 2025 hurricane season starting next week , the governor also signed a bill that enhances criminal penalties for severe cruelty to dogs and other pets.

See Full Page