Most four-legged patrons of pet-friendly restaurants would have to remain outside, under a bill proposed this week by state Rep. Bruce Antone, D-Orlando.
The proposal (HB 243), filed for consideration during the 2020 legislative session, would prohibit household pets from 鈥渢raveling through or remaining in indoor portions鈥� of public food establishments 鈥渋n order to protect the health, safety, and general welfare of the public.鈥�
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While the bill wouldn鈥檛 pre-empt existing local ordinances, it would direct the state Department of Business and Professional Regulation to adopt rules and create a publicly accessible website for complaints.
It also wouldn鈥檛 bar service animals from accompanying their owners inside.
The tourism-marketing agency Visit Florida says on its website that, 鈥淒og-friendly outdoor restaurants, bars and craft beer pubs abound throughout the state, some offering 鈥榶appy hour鈥� canine-friendly designated times, others with an open-door doggie policy around the clock.鈥�
The 2020 legislative session will start Jan. 14.
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