Hurricane Isaias is expected to hit Pensacola, Florida this weekend as a Category 3 storm — the first major hurricane since Florida's Trooper's Law took effect October 1, 2025.
The law, signed by Governor DeSantis in May, makes it a third-degree felony to restrain and abandon a dog outdoors during a declared disaster or evacuation. Violators face up to 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Trooper's Law is named after a bull terrier rescued by a Florida Highway Patrol trooper during Hurricane Milton in 2024. The dog was found chained to a fence in rising floodwater along I-75.
Escambia County has ordered evacuations for Zones A and B, plus mobile homes and low-lying areas. Local shelters are accepting pets with proof of updated vaccines.
At today's preparedness briefing in Pensacola, Senator Rick Scott was asked how authorities will enforce the law as the storm approaches. Residents are urged to take animals with them if they evacuate — and to report any abandoned pets to local law enforcement or animal control immediately.
The law, signed by Governor DeSantis in May, makes it a third-degree felony to restrain and abandon a dog outdoors during a declared disaster or evacuation. Violators face up to 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Trooper's Law is named after a bull terrier rescued by a Florida Highway Patrol trooper during Hurricane Milton in 2024. The dog was found chained to a fence in rising floodwater along I-75.
Escambia County has ordered evacuations for Zones A and B, plus mobile homes and low-lying areas. Local shelters are accepting pets with proof of updated vaccines.
At today's preparedness briefing in Pensacola, Senator Rick Scott was asked how authorities will enforce the law as the storm approaches. Residents are urged to take animals with them if they evacuate — and to report any abandoned pets to local law enforcement or animal control immediately.