TALLAHASSEE, FL — Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier released an economic report on January 20, 2026, commissioned by the Office of the Attorney General and prepared by the University of West Florida’s Haas Center. The report estimates that deceptive pet sales practices, including sales of sick animals and predatory financing, cost Florida consumers more than $25.1 million annually.
The Office of the Attorney General has initiated a formal Consumer Protection investigation into deceptive pet sales, sick animals, and predatory financing schemes involving retailers and lenders.
The report states that more than 80% of puppies sold in Florida originate from large, out-of-state breeders, often associated with puppy mills. These animals are frequently transported in large quantities—up to 120 puppies per van—over thousands of miles, with limited oversight and no mandatory veterinary examinations upon arrival in the state. This practice contributes to the spread of undetected diseases.
Consumers who purchase affected animals often incur significant veterinary expenses due to illnesses or misrepresentations. The report notes that only 3% of impacted consumers file complaints, indicating that the actual annual financial impact likely exceeds the estimated $25.1 million.
Large-scale pet retailers utilize store-branded credit cards with annual percentage rates (APR) reaching up to 35.99%. These financing arrangements include hidden fees, deferred interest promotions, and contract terms that limit consumer rights. According to the report, a $5,000 pet purchase financed under such terms can result in total costs of up to $16,000 for the consumer.
Complaint data shows concentrations in Central and South Florida counties, including Orange, Pinellas, Duval, Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach.
The report references a prior action: following retail-sale restrictions enacted in Orange County and a consent judgment secured by the Office of the Attorney General against a Petland franchise, complaints in the affected area decreased by 55%.
The Haas Center recommends measures to enhance consumer protections, including restrictions on predatory financing, increased oversight of breeders and transporters, and updates to Florida’s Pet Lemon Law.
Full report, click here.
SOURCE: STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF FLORIDA
