LOXAHATCHEE, Fla. (FNN) — Governor Ron DeSantis on Tuesday announced a proposal aimed at strengthening protections for puppies in Florida and cracking down on abusive breeding operations. Working in partnership with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the state will develop standardized practices to ensure ethical breeding and humane treatment of dogs.

Regulating Dog Breeders and Eliminating Puppy Mills

Under the proposal, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation would be directed to license dog breeders and hold abusive operations accountable. The initiative targets puppy mills that mistreat animals by overbreeding them, keeping them in extreme weather, confining them in cramped cages, or restricting access to water.

“In Florida, we will always fight to protect man’s best friend,” DeSantis said. “The proposal we announced today will end unethical puppy mills, hold accountable abusive breeders, and help shelter dogs find loving homes.”

Strengthening Reporting and Expanding Adoption Access

The plan includes the creation of a statewide hotline for reporting breeder abuse, enabling faster action against violators.
Additionally, pet stores would be required to offer space to local shelters for dog adoptions before using those areas to sell animals from breeders. State officials say the step is essential as shelters across Florida face overcrowding and increasing euthanasia risks.

Enhanced Penalties and Recent Legislative Actions

The proposal also calls for the development of legislation to increase penalties for individuals who abuse or torture animals in the presence of a minor.

Earlier this year, Governor DeSantis signed Trooper’s Law and Dexter’s Law, both aimed at strengthening animal protection.
Trooper’s Law makes it a felony to abandon or restrain a dog during a state of emergency, following the case of Trooper, a dog rescued during Hurricane Milton.
Dexter’s Law, passed after the brutal killing of a recently adopted dog, creates a sentencing multiplier for those who torture, mutilate, or kill a dog. It also establishes a statewide database of individuals convicted of animal abuse to prevent shelters from allowing repeat offenders to adopt animals.

• Regulating Breeders and Ending Puppy Mills
• Improving Reporting and Adoption Opportunities
• Strengthening Penalties and Recent Animal Welfare Laws

SANFORD, Fla. (FNN) – Bale Dalton, a Navy veteran, former NASA Chief of Staff and longtime public servant, announced Monday that he is running for Congress in Florida’s 7th Congressional District. Dalton, a retired Naval Aviator with more than two decades of military service, will seek the Democratic nomination to challenge U.S. Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla.

In his announcement, Dalton contrasted his background with what his campaign characterized as “self-serving and unethical behavior” by Mills. Dalton’s campaign referenced past allegations and ongoing inquiries involving the congressman, emphasizing that voters “deserve mission-first leadership.”

“I’m running for Congress because Floridians deserve leaders who know what real service looks like,” Dalton said in a statement. “It’s courage, sacrifice, and putting the American people first. I will put people ahead of politics to lower costs and deliver results.”

Dalton, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate, served 23 years in the Navy and Navy Reserve — including deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa and the Pacific. He flew medical evacuation missions in Kuwait, provided Hurricane Katrina relief, supported special operations, and directed combat air support in Afghanistan.

After his active-duty service, Dalton worked at the State Department and served as a military legislative assistant to former U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson. He later returned to active duty as commanding officer of a Navy special operations support squadron before transitioning to the private sector and eventually becoming NASA’s Chief of Staff, where he helped manage an agency workforce of roughly 16,500 employees.

Dalton’s campaign said he is running to “restore integrity and service-driven leadership” to Washington. “Families in Central Florida want lower costs, safer communities, opportunities to thrive, and a representative who works for them — not himself,” Dalton said.

Florida’s 7th Congressional District includes all of Seminole County and southern Volusia County.

Bale Dalton’s Background in Service and Federal Leadership

Dalton brings more than two decades of military service, experience in federal agencies, and senior leadership roles — including serving as NASA Chief of Staff.

Dalton’s Contrast With Rep. Cory Mills (According to His Campaign)

Dalton’s announcement frames the race as a contest between “mission-first service” and what his campaign portrays as ethics concerns surrounding the incumbent.

Issues Dalton Says Will Define His Campaign

Dalton says he will focus on lowering costs for families, strengthening community safety, expanding opportunities, and returning accountability to Florida’s 7th District.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

News@FloridaNationalNews.com

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) – Senate President Ben Albritton, along with Senate Leaders Jim Boyd and Jay Trumbull, announced their endorsement today of State Representative Josie Tomkow for Florida Senate District 14. The seat returns to the ballot in a special election next year following Governor Ron DeSantis’s appointment of Senator Jay Collins as Lieutenant Governor.

In a joint statement, Albritton, Boyd, and Trumbull praised Tomkow’s record and commitment to conservative principles.

“Josie Tomkow is a proven warrior for the conservative values that have made Florida safer for families, created more opportunities for students, and ensured government does not hinder job creation. A seventh-generation Floridian, Josie understands firsthand the importance of protecting Florida’s natural resources. We are proud to endorse her for Senate District 14 because we need leaders like her fighting for a more affordable Florida and expanded opportunities for all.”