Dexter’s Law, officially known as House Bill 255 (2025), was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis on May 28, 2025, and takes effect July 1, 2025. The law directs the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to establish a public, searchable online registry listing individuals convicted of animal cruelty under Florida Statute §828.12. This new registry will allow the public to identify people found guilty, or who pled guilty or no contest, to offenses involving the abuse, torture, or killing of animals.
The FDLE registry, created under what’s known as Dexter’s Law, must be made available to the public by January 1, 2026. Once launched, the database will include names, photographs, and conviction details of offenders, much like other state-run offender registries. The goal of the legislation is to increase transparency, deter repeat abuse, and help shelters, rescues, and pet owners make safer adoption and employment decisions.
While the online registry has not yet been published, it will be hosted on the official FDLE website (fdle.state.fl.us) when ready. This page will be updated with a direct link to the public registry once it becomes available in early 2026.