FLORIDA’S PET LEMON LAW

FLORIDA’S PET LEMON LAW

If your family is considering adding a new furry

member, knowing your rights before making the

purchase may provide some relief in case something

goes wrong.

The Florida Pet Law, Section 828.29, Florida Statutes,

provides standardized health requirements for dogs

and cats sold within Florida. Pet dealers are prohibited

from deliberately misrepresenting the health of any

dog or cat within the state. Florida law defines a pet

dealer as anyone who sells more than two litters or

20 dogs or cats to the public per year. The Florida

Pet Law is not applicable to hobby breeders, county

or municipal animal control facilities, or registered

nonprofit humane organizations.

Pet dealers are required by the law to provide the

consumer with a written notice which details the

purchaser’s rights, along with an official certificate

of veterinary inspection, attesting to the breed, sex,

age, color, and health record of the pet, including a

list of vaccines. If the dealer is unfamiliar with this

requirement or refuses to provide either document, be

cautious.

Upon purchase of the pet, the law provides new

owners with specific time periods within which

certain actions must be completed. Any contagious

or infectious diseases must be documented by a

veterinarian within 14 days; congenital or hereditary

defects, or misrepresentations as to the breed, sex, age

or color, must be documented within one year. Upon

knowledge of any of the above, the consumer has two

days to notify the dealer of the findings, and three days

to provide the written documentation.

Upon notification, the consumer is afforded three

options:

• The consumer may return the pet to the dealer for a

full refund and reimbursement of veterinary costs.

• The consumer may exchange the pet for another of

equal value and be reimbursed for veterinary costs.

• The consumer may choose to keep the pet, and the

dealer will be responsible for reasonable veterinary

costs to treat or cure the animal.

Issues concerning the health certificate should be

directed to the Florida Department of Agriculture and

Consumer Services at (850) 410-0950.