Florida considers licensing system for dog breeders
Gov. Ron DeSantis held a press conference at Big Dog Ranch Rescue in Loxahatchee to announce plans for the 2026 legislative session aimed at cracking down on abusive puppy mills and promoting ethical dog breeding in Florida. He proposed creating a statewide breeder licensing system to hold breeders accountable for poor conditions, along with mechanisms to increase transparency for pet buyers and require veterinary health documentation. Officials from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation backed the effort, highlighting updated management practices and a commitment to enforce higher standards. Supporters say the reforms will protect animals and ensure buyers can adopt with confidence; opponents among some breeder-advocate groups warn the legislation could unfairly affect responsible breeders.