What It Is: Trooper’s Law was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis and creates a specific criminal offense tied to abandoning a restrained dog during certain emergency conditions.
Core Conduct Covered: The law targets situations where a person leaves a dog outside and restrained by a chain, leash, tie-out, or similar tether during a declared natural disaster or when a mandatory evacuation order is in effect.
Why It Matters: During hurricanes, tornado outbreaks, flooding events, and other major emergencies, restrained animals may be unable to escape rising water, wind debris, structural collapse, extreme heat, or storm surge. This law makes that conduct a separate punishable offense.
Penalty: A violation is treated as a third-degree felony under Florida law.
Potential Criminal Exposure: A third-degree felony in Florida can carry significant criminal consequences, including potential imprisonment, probation, fines, and a permanent felony record, subject to charging decisions and court disposition.
- Do not leave a dog tied outside during a storm watch, hurricane warning, flood emergency, or evacuation event.
- Do not assume you can return later once roads flood or curfews begin.
- Move pets early with your evacuation plan, carrier, food, medications, records, and water.
- Use pet-friendly shelters, emergency boarding options, family relocation sites, or hotels that accept animals.
Planning Rule: If you evacuate, your pet evacuates. If conditions are too dangerous for you to stay, they are too dangerous for an animal left behind.
FEMA
Main Website: Federal disaster preparedness, alerts, disaster assistance, recovery, evacuation guidance, and emergency planning information.
Phone: 1-800-621-3362
TTY: 1-800-462-7585
Use Cases: Disaster assistance applications, emergency planning, recovery support, and preparedness education.
Poison Control
Phone: 1-800-222-1222
Use Cases: Medication exposure, household chemical exposure, toxic plants, bites, swallowed substances, fumes, and urgent poisoning guidance.
Note: For collapse, seizure, breathing emergency, or life-threatening exposure, call 911 immediately.
National Weather Service
Main Website: Official watches, warnings, forecasts, radar, hurricane advisories, flood alerts, and tornado-related updates.
Use Cases: Track tropical systems, tornado warnings, flash flood warnings, and local forecast conditions.
Ready.gov Emergency Planning
Main Website: Household preparedness, evacuation planning, flood safety, hurricane planning, and disaster supply kit guidance.
Use Cases: Build family plans, prepare kits, review communication plans, and organize emergency documents.
| Agency / Service | Contact Number | Details & Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| St. Lucie County Emergency Management | (772) 462-8100 | General preparation questions, county emergency planning, and registration for special needs support. |
| Public Information Line (COAD / EOC) | (772) 460-4357 | Activated during storm events for public updates, emergency information, and event-specific instructions. |
| Port St. Lucie Police Non-Emergency | (772) 871-5000 | Non-emergency police dispatch inside Port St. Lucie city limits. |
| Fort Pierce Police Non-Emergency | (772) 467-6800 | Non-emergency police dispatch inside Fort Pierce city limits. |
| St. Lucie County Administration | (772) 462-1100 | General county inquiries and county government main line. |
| City of Port St. Lucie Administration | (772) 871-1775 | Main city administration line. |
| City of Fort Pierce Administration | (772) 467-3000 | Main city administration line. |
| Florida Price Gouging Hotline | (866) 966-7226 | Use during declared emergencies to report artificially inflated prices for lodging, fuel, food, generators, water, and essential goods. |
| 211 Palm Beach & Treasure Coast | Dial 2-1-1 | Community helpline for local shelter listings, food support, social services, and disaster recovery resources. |
| Emergency | 911 | Immediate danger, fire, medical emergency, active flooding rescue, severe injury, collapse, or life-threatening situation. |
St. Lucie County Animal Safety
General Office: (772) 462-8120
24/7 Dispatch: (772) 465-5770
Use Cases: Stray animals, injured animals, animal emergencies, county animal safety issues in unincorporated areas.
Port St. Lucie Animal Control
Direct Line: (772) 871-5042
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
After Hours: Dispatched through Port St. Lucie Police Department or 911 for emergency cases.
Fort Pierce Westwood Academy
Address: 1801 Panther Lane, Fort Pierce, FL
Shelter Role: General population and pet-friendly shelter when activated.
Planning Note: Pre-registration may be required or strongly encouraged depending on event conditions.
Treasure Coast High School
Address: 1000 SW Darwin Blvd, Port St. Lucie, FL
Shelter Role: General population and pet-friendly shelter when activated.
Planning Note: Bring pet food, crates, medications, vaccination records, ID tags, and cleaning supplies.
Havert L. Fenn Center
Address: 2000 Virginia Ave, Fort Pierce, FL
Use Cases: Special needs sheltering during activated emergency events.
Planning Note: Contact county emergency management early for registration and eligibility requirements.
Find Nearby Local Resources
Use This For: Locate nearby hotels, evacuation routes, gas stations, pharmacies, grocery stores, veterinary clinics, boarding options, and public shelters.
Veterinary Medical & Emergency Center
Address: 7790 S U.S. Hwy 1, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952
Phone: (772) 337-8570 or (772) 919-8049
Hours: Open 24 Hours, 7 Days a Week, 365 Days a Year
Details: Emergency triage, stabilization, bloodwork, diagnostics, and emergency surgery.
Animal Emergency & Referral Center
Address: 3984 US-1, Fort Pierce, FL 34982
Phone: (772) 466-3441
Hours: After-hours emergency hospital
Details: Emergency evaluation and referral-level care.
FastTrack Veterinary Urgent Care
Address: 1244 SW Gatlin Blvd Unit 108, Port St. Lucie, FL 34953
Phone: (772) 248-4744
Hours: Open Daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Details: Walk-in urgent care, digital X-rays, and in-house lab services.
Maybank Animal Hospital
Location: Fort Pierce area
Details: Emergency relief and treatment of companion animals during severe or critical medical circumstances.
Pet Emergency of Martin County
Address: 2239 S Kanner Hwy, Stuart, FL 34994
Phone: (772) 781-3302
Hours: Open 24 Hours, 7 Days a Week, Holidays Included
Veterinary Medical Center of Indian River County
Address: 1833 US-1, Vero Beach, FL 32960
Hours: Open 24 Hours, 7 Days a Week
Use Case: Backup emergency resource if St. Lucie County facilities are at capacity or weather-disrupted.
Human Emergency Supply Loadout
Water: Plan for at least 1 gallon of water per person per day for 7 days. That equals 7 gallons per person minimum.
Food: Pack 7 full days of shelf-stable food per person, including ready-to-eat meals, protein sources, electrolyte drinks, and manual-can-opener-compatible items.
- 7 gallons of water per person minimum
- 7 days of nonperishable food
- Prescription medications for at least 7 days
- Photo ID, insurance cards, and medical documents
- Phone charger, backup battery, and charging cable
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Cash in small bills
- Weather radio
- Clothing, socks, and rain gear
- Blankets and hygiene supplies
- Important paper records in waterproof bags
Pet Emergency Supply Loadout
Water: Pack enough water for at least 7 days. A practical target is at least 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight per day, with extra stored for heat, stress, and travel delays.
Food: Pack 7 full days of pet food in sealed waterproof containers or pre-portioned bags.
- 7 days of pet food
- 7 days of water minimum, plus extra reserve
- Food bowls and water bowls
- Crate or secure carrier
- Leash, harness, backup leash, and muzzle if medically or behaviorally appropriate
- Vaccination records and proof of rabies vaccination
- Medications for at least 7 days
- Microchip number and recent pet photos
- Waste bags, litter, litter box, or absorbent pads
- Blanket, towel, bedding, and familiar comfort item
- Cleaning supplies and disinfecting wipes safe for pet areas
- Tick prevention, flea prevention, and basic first aid items
Flood and Hurricane Preparation Priorities
- Fill vehicles with fuel early before shortages begin.
- Charge all electronics and backup batteries before landfall.
- Move medications, records, electronics, and pet supplies above expected flood level.
- Freeze water bottles and ice packs in advance.
- Keep carriers and leashes at the front door, not in storage.
- Know your evacuation zone and primary route before orders are issued.
Tornado and Severe Storm Priorities
- Move to the lowest safe interior area away from windows.
- Keep shoes, flashlight, IDs, and pet leashes next to the shelter area.
- Use carriers for cats and small animals before warning conditions worsen.
- Keep dogs harnessed and attached to leash indoors during warning periods.
- Do not delay sheltering while trying to gather loose supplies.
- Store go-bags in one place that can be reached in seconds.
Medium Canine First Aid Kit & IFAK
This medium canine first aid kit and IFAK supports evacuation readiness, vehicle response, storm preparation, and short-term field stabilization until veterinary care is available.
What This Kit Is For
- Supports care for cuts, abrasions, paw injuries, and wound coverage
- Provides rapid-access supplies for bleeding control and trauma response
- Helps stabilize a dog for safe transport to a veterinary clinic
- Works as part of a broader pet evacuation and preparedness plan
- Fits well in vehicles, home emergency bins, travel crates, and go-bags
Emergency Use Priorities
- Control major bleeding first
- Keep the dog restrained and as calm as possible
- Protect the airway and avoid unnecessary movement
- Move the dog to a veterinarian as quickly as possible after stabilization
- For life-threatening danger to people, call 911
Core First Aid Essentials
- Sterile gauze pads
- Roll gauze
- Non-stick wound pads
- Vet wrap or cohesive bandage
- Medical tape
- Antiseptic wipes
- Saline wash or wound flush
- Trauma shears
- Nitrile gloves
- Digital thermometer
Paw, Limb, and Handling Essentials
- Paw bandaging materials
- Bootie or paw protector
- Tweezers for debris or splinters
- Tick removal tool
- Instant cold pack
- Elastic wrap for support
- Slip lead or backup leash
- Soft muzzle or muzzle alternative
- Towel or compact blanket
- Emergency carry sling or lift strap
IFAK Trauma Essentials
- Compressed gauze
- Hemostatic gauze
- Pressure bandage
- Extra cohesive wrap
- Protective gloves
- Trauma shears
- Permanent marker for incident notes
- Clearly labeled quick-access pouch
Records and Emergency Information
- Emergency contact card
- Veterinarian contact information
- Medication list
- Vaccination copy
- Microchip information
- Recent photo of your dog
- Printed feeding or care instructions
Recommended Medium Kit Buildout
- 8 to 12 sterile gauze pads
- 2 to 4 roll gauze wraps
- 2 non-stick wound dressings
- 2 to 4 cohesive wraps
- 1 medical tape roll
- 1 saline flush bottle
- 1 trauma shears
- 1 thermometer
- 2 to 4 pairs of nitrile gloves
Storage and Evacuation Tips
- Keep one kit inside the main pet go-bag
- Keep a second trauma-focused pouch in the vehicle if possible
- Store documents in a waterproof sleeve inside the kit
- Inspect supplies every 30 to 60 days
- Replace used, expired, damaged, or heat-compromised items immediately
- Keep emergency veterinary numbers saved in your phone and printed in the kit
Field Care Note
This kit supports immediate stabilization and short-term field care during evacuations and emergencies. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or advanced treatment. Use the kit to improve safe transport and reduce delay until professional care is reached.