Florida Animal Hoarding Charged Under Confinement Law 828.13

Section 828.13(2)(a) makes it a first-degree misdemeanor to impound or confine any animal and fail to supply a sufficient quantity of good and wholesome food and water, or to keep animals in an enclosure without wholesome exercise and change of air. Each animal can be charged separately, so a hoarding scene multiplies the counts fast. When neglect crosses into depriving animals of necessary sustenance or shelter and causing cruel death or repeated suffering, prosecutors elevate the case to aggravated cruelty under 828.12, a third-degree felony. Courts may order the animals surrendered and bar the defendant from owning animals.

First-degree misdemeanor per animal under 828.13: up to one year in jail and a fine of not more than $5,000. Deprivation causing cruel death or repeated suffering becomes a third-degree felony under 828.12, up to five years and a $10,000 fine.