Since moving to The Villages more than 18 months ago, one of the first things that struck me was how much joy residents take in bringing their pets along for the ride in their carts. As a pet owner myself, I found it heartwarming to see animals treated as part of the family.
But over time, I began noticing a troubling trend: non-service animals showing up in restaurants and grocery stores. That’s where I draw the line.
Florida law backs this up. Under Florida Statute §509.233, animals are generally prohibited in public food service establishments, except for service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Local governments may adopt ordinances allowing dogs in designated outdoor dining areas, but even then, strict sanitation rules apply. In other words, pets inside dining rooms or grocery aisles are not only inconsiderate — they’re against state health regulations…