2023 Legislation Outcomes

May 5, 2023

The 2023 Legislative session has ended and FAAWO made huge strides on our top priorities.

TELEMEDICINE

1. SB 554: While we support the concept of Veterinary Telemedicine, SB 554 was not one we supported and we are pleased that it was defeated.
2. SB 1600/HB 1117: This Telemedicine/Rabies Vaccination bill unanimously passed the House but did not receive clearance in Senate. We support this bill and look forward to it being reintroduced in 2024.

1. This license exemption for volunteer spay/neuter veterinarians unanimously passed the Legislature and is awaiting the Governor’s signature. This is a victory and will allow for more access to spay/neuter across the State.

The 2023 Florida Legislative Session kicked off March 7 and is scheduled to run through early May. Already there have been numerous bills of interest filed. Below is a brief overview of those that we are watching most closely and links for more information. 

We Are Supporting

The PETS Act, Medical Treatment of Animals HB 1117(Buchanan)/SB 1600(Ingoglia)

This bill would expand access to veterinary telemedicine and expand who can administer rabies vaccines in shelters. The bill is also supported by ASPCA and FACA. Learn more here. 

Expand Access to Spay/Neuter Veterinary Care HB 716 (Killebrew)/SB 722 (Burton)

If enacted, this bill would allow veterinarians licensed elsewhere to provide spay/neuter and preventative care services as volunteers under the supervision of a veterinarian licensed in Florida. Additional information can be found here. 

We Are Watching

Public Records Exemption, Animals From a Shelter HB 157(Holcomb)/SB 518 (DiCeglie) 

This legislation would protect the information of adopters who choose to adopt from city or county shelters. Right now, adopter information is available via a simple request. Find out more about the measure and how you can support it here.   

We Are in Opposition 

Medical Treatment of Animals SB 554(Gruters)/No HB

Though this bill includes language to expand who can administer rabies vaccines in animal shelters, it also blocks access to telemedicine thus creating additional barriers for animals to receive veterinary care.