MIAMI (AP) - A new Florida law taking effect July 1 will make it a misdemeanor to pass off an unqualified pet as a service animal.
The law was first proposed by state Rep. Jimmie Smith, R-Inverness, and will punish those who misrepresent their animals with up to 60 days in jail. The law defines service animals as dogs and miniature horses.
It will also make it illegal for any public accommodation to deny service to a disabled person with a service animal.
The American Disability Act says a service dog may wear special collars or harnesses and may have a type of certification, but it forbids anyone from asking for certifications to provide services.
