DeSantis signs bill allowing Floridians to kill bears who threaten safety on private property

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill on Friday allowing Floridians to kill bears who demonstrate a threat of death or serious injury to humans, pets or private property.

A person is not allowed to lure the bear with food or attractants for an illegal purpose under the law. They’re also not justified in killing the bear if they recklessly placed themselves or a pet in a dangerous situation. However, the legislation does not express any specific penalties for the discouraged actions.

Rep. Jason Shoaf, R-Port St. Joe, sponsored the bill, HB 87. Sen. Corey Simon, R-Tallahassee, carried the Senate version.

The Florida black bear is the only type of bear that currently roams the state. The Fish and Wildlife Commission removed the species from the classification of a high risk of extinction in 2012 after being endangered since the 1970s.

According to the bill, the commission must be notified within 24 hours after the bear has been killed.

Several Democratic lawmakers expressed concerns with how their would be no penalties for people who may take advantage of the new law.

Rep. Katherine Waldron, D-Greenacres, opposed the bill during legislative debate, calling it “shameful.”

“Deliberate murder should not be condoned, and yet this bill does just that,” she said.

Simon, who’s Senate district spans thirteen counties, highlighted that self defense against animals like bears is a big issue for many of his constituents in rural communities.

The legislation had a partisan split when being voted on in both chambers.

It takes effect on July 1.