Florida has launched a public database of convicted animal abusers to help protect pets and communities statewide. As of January 1, 2026, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has opened an online registry created under Dexter’s Law. You can search the database to find individuals convicted of animal abuse anywhere in Florida. The registry supports safer pet adoptions, gives shelters a clear screening tool, and raises awareness about animal cruelty across the state.
By making animal abuse convictions publicly accessible, Florida hopes to deter future cruelty and prevent animals from being placed into dangerous situations. The registry adds a new layer of transparency and accountability that has not previously existed statewide.
Data presented on the FDLE website reflects individuals who have been convicted of, or have entered a plea of “Guilty” or “Nolo Contendere” to offenses specified under Florida Statute 828.12 and designated pursuant to F.S. 828.12(7). This information is provided by local Criminal Justice agencies throughout the State of Florida and is updated and published on the first day of each month.
You can search the registry by first name, last name, or both, and you can also download the entire list as an Excel spreadsheet.
Dexter’s Law And The Story Behind It
Dexter’s Law is named after Dexter, a shelter dog whose tragic death shocked the state and led directly to the creation of the law. Dexter was a gentle, award-winning therapy dog adopted from a Florida shelter. Just days after his adoption, Dexter was brutally killed. Authorities later discovered that he had been beheaded and left in a park.
The case sparked widespread outrage and revealed a serious flaw in the adoption system. At the time, shelters had no statewide method to determine whether a potential adopter had a prior history of animal abuse. Dexter’s Law was created to close that gap and ensure that known abusers cannot easily adopt animals again.
The law was signed by Governor Ron DeSantis in May 2025 and officially takes effect on July 1, 2025. The public registry component will go live on January 1, 2026.
How The Animal Abuser Registry Will Work
Under Dexter’s Law, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement will maintain a public Animal Abuse Registry. The registry will include individuals who have been convicted of animal cruelty or who have pleaded guilty or no contest to qualifying animal abuse offenses.
The database will be searchable by the public. While final technical details are still being finalized, the registry is expected to include identifying information such as the offender’s name and details related to their conviction. The purpose is to make animal abuse records easy to access for shelters, rescues, pet professionals, and the general public.
Florida will become only the second state in the country to implement a statewide animal abuser registry. The system is intended to be simple, accessible, and effective in preventing repeat abuse.
The only other state with a statewide public animal abuser registry is Tennessee. Tennessee passed the Animal Abuser Registration Act in 2015, and its registry has been publicly accessible since January 1, 2016. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) maintains the registry, which includes the full legal name and photo of individuals convicted of qualifying animal abuse offenses.
For shelters and rescues, the registry provides a critical screening tool. Before approving an adoption, organizations can check whether a potential adopter has a history of animal cruelty. Private individuals rehoming pets can also use the database to make informed decisions.
Stronger Penalties For Animal Cruelty
Dexter’s Law also strengthens penalties for aggravated animal cruelty offenses. The law introduces a sentencing multiplier of 1.25 for certain felony-level animal cruelty crimes. This requires judges to apply harsher punishment guidelines for the most severe cases of abuse.
Aggravated animal cruelty generally involves intentional acts that cause extreme suffering or death. Under the updated law, offenders face longer prison sentences and more serious consequences than before.
A conviction for animal cruelty under Dexter’s Law can have long-lasting effects. Beyond jail time or fines, offenders may face damage to their reputation, difficulty securing employment, challenges finding housing, and restrictions on owning animals in the future.
Long-Term Consequences Of Being Listed
Being listed on the Animal Abuse Registry is not a temporary consequence. Because the database is public, shelters, employers, landlords, and community members can access this information at any time.
For convicted offenders, this can affect job background checks, rental applications, volunteer opportunities, and involvement with animal-related organizations. Courts may also impose bans or restrictions on pet ownership.
The registry is designed to ensure accountability and transparency. It reinforces the message that animal cruelty is a serious crime with consequences that extend well beyond the courtroom.
Protecting Animals And Public Safety
Supporters of Dexter’s Law point to research showing a strong link between animal abuse and violence toward people. Studies have found that individuals who harm animals are significantly more likely to engage in violent behavior later in life.
By identifying and tracking animal abusers, Florida aims to protect both animals and communities. The registry acts as an early warning system that allows organizations and individuals to make safer decisions and remain vigilant.
Advocates believe the public nature of the registry will also serve as a deterrent. Knowing that a conviction will be publicly visible statewide may discourage potential offenders from committing acts of abuse.
What This Means For Pet Owners and Shelters
For shelters and rescues, the registry provides an essential safeguard. Adoption screening can now include a statewide check rather than relying solely on local records or personal references.
Pet owners rehoming animals privately can verify that a potential adopter does not have a history of abuse. Pet sitters, dog walkers, trainers, breeders, and foster programs can also use the registry to screen individuals who will have access to animals.
This system helps ensure animals are placed in safer homes and reduces the likelihood of repeat abuse.
Looking Ahead
When the Animal Abuser Public Database launches in 2026, Florida will enter a new era of animal protection. The combination of public transparency, stronger penalties, and improved screening tools is designed to prevent abuse before it happens.
Dexter’s Law turns a tragic loss into lasting change. It empowers communities, protects animals, and holds offenders accountable. As the registry becomes active, Florida may serve as a model for other states considering similar measures.
THE MESSAGE IS CLEAR. There is no place to hide in Florida if you abuse the voiceless.
