Update on Florida SB 318, a Florida Ban on Responsible Snake Ownership

Florida’s Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee met today and voted to favorably forward Senate Bill 318 on to the next step in the legislative process. This is a typical outcome for the first step in the legislative process for almost all proposed legislation. An additional bill (SB 572) was offered by Florida State Senator Lee Constantine and also voted forward favorably. Senate Bill 572 intends to focus Florida’s resources on the more effective use of regulations within the State of Florida and includes stricter penalties for violations of existing laws and regulations. Senator Constantine’s bill also addresses his concern over wildlife being shipped into the State of Florida as a result of purchases made over the internet. Constantine’s bill, if passed, would require permits for sellers shipping animals into the State of Florida from other States.

As soon as the full text of SB 572 is available, it will be posted on The National Pet Associations website (www.natpet.org) and throughout reptile community message boards. There will also be updated information about how you can help ensure that responsible snake owners in Florida are given fair consideration as SB 318 and SB 572 move forward through the Florida legislature.

The staff and members of the National Pet Association would like to express our sincere gratitude to Mr. Eugene Bessette for attending the committee hearing today and diligently representing responsible pet owners. Mr. Bessette is a great asset to the reptile community as well as the entire pet community. Thank you Eugene!

Thank you for all of the emails sent and phone calls made to Senator Constantine’s office over the last three days. Your compassion and action on behalf of pets and responsible pet owners is greatly appreciated.

Regards,
Adam Wysocki
The National Pet Association

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