01/02/2026
If you adopt a pet in Florida, there is a new check you can make starting today.
On January 1, 2026, Florida launched a statewide animal cruelty offender database meant to help shelters and rescues screen adopters.
The list is tied to Dexter’s Law, named after a dog whose killing helped push the bill forward.
The database is run by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and it’s meant to be searchable by the public.
It focuses on people convicted of aggravated animal cruelty, including those who pleaded guilty or no contest.
Advocates say the goal is simple: stop repeat offenders from easily getting another animal through adoption or rehoming.
Reports say names can stay on the database for 10 years, and repeat offenders can be listed again for another 10 years.
Supporters also say a single statewide list matters because people move counties, and local checks can miss past cases.
This won’t replace good shelter screening, but it adds one more tool to keep animals out of dangerous hands.
References:
Statewide animal cruelty database goes online, listing animal abuse offenders online as newest phase of Dexter's Law - Bay News 9
Florida’s first animal abuser database to launch - St Pete Catalyst
House Bill 255 (2025) - The Florida Senate
Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Trooper's Law and Dexter's Law - Office of Governor Ron DeSantis
Note: The images used in this post have been created using AI for illustration purposes only.