Attorney General James Uthmeier issued a report this week concluding that deceptive sales of pets have ripped off Floridians to the tune of $25.1 million annually.

The analysis focused largely on the sale of puppies in the state. The report found that at least 80% of young canines sold in Florida are sourced from breeders in other states in so-called “puppy mills.”

Since those animals usually undergo extensive transport to get to Florida, the puppies often arrive sick or mischaracterized in their breeds, which ultimately results in substantial vet bills for families.

The research was conducted by the University of West Florida’s Haas Center, an economic impact and workforce survey arm of the Panhandle campus. Uthmeier said the results led to his Office launching a consumer protection investigation into deceptive sales, sick animals and predatory financing schemes.

“Florida families deserve fair and honest business practices,” Uthmeier said. “This report exposes how deceptive retailers and shady lenders are preying on consumers who are bringing a pet into their family. Our office is opening a formal investigation into the lenders and retailers pushing these predatory loans for sick puppies.”

The 90-page report, “The Cost of Deception: How Sick Pets Drain Florida’s Economy,” also outlines the difficult conditions puppies face on their way to Florida.

As many as 120 puppies can be crammed into one van and transported thousands of miles, with few exams by veterinarians and hardly any oversight. That creates conditions for the spread of disease, which often leads to pricey veterinarian bills.

The report also found that some pet sales involve big retailers that include store-brand credit cards with interest rates as high as 35.9%, along with hidden fees and “deferred interest” in promotions.

“A $5,000 pet purchase can ultimately cost families as much as $16,000 under these terms,” a news release said.

The counties with the most complaints about puppy problems include Orange, Pinellas, Duval, Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach.

The UWF analysis also provided some recommendations, including increasing consumer protections and oversight for breeders and transporters. Researchers also suggest the state modernize pet lemon laws and restrict questionable financing practices.

Fontainebleau Miami Beach’s proposed “family-friendly improvements” are enjoying broad support among South Florida residents, according to a new poll commissioned by the developers and conducted by MDW Communications.

The poll, obtained by Florida Politics and taken among 305 likely Miami Beach municipal voters Jan. 14-19, found nearly 60% of respondents supporting the proposal, including more than 30% who strongly support it. Fewer than 30% of respondents say they disapprove.

And most residents are aware of the plans, further signaling not just support, but informed support. Of those polled, more than 2/3 say they have heard information on the proposal, with just a third saying they’ve heard nothing about it.

Fontainebleau Development, led by Chair and CEO Jeffrey Soffer, is planning a sweeping rework of the hotel’s outdoor pool deck aimed at attracting more families, including a proposed water-park concept featuring 11 waterslides — one reportedly about 120 feet tall — along with other pool-deck upgrades.

Poll results are important, as the project requires approval from the city’s Historic Preservation Board because it sits on a historically significant site. The Preservation Board reviews alteration plans on designated historic properties.

The Fontainebleau, designed by architect Morris Lapidus and opened in 1954, is one of Miami Beach’s signature MiMo-era landmarks and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The project is carefully planned to “responsibly repurpose” outdoor areas of the hotel without expanding its footprint or altering its unique architectural character.

“Under the leadership of the Mayor and the City Commission, Miami Beach continues to evolve as a destination for visitors of all ages, and this vision reflects an increased emphasis on family-oriented experiences that align with the City’s broader tourism goals,” reads a note from developers shared along with poll results.

“The proposed enhancements are private amenities for hotel guests only, and the pool deck access will remain restricted, as it is today. Given the focus on hotel guest experience, the project is not expected to generate additional traffic as guests will be remaining on property.”

The project would repurpose the resort’s existing amenity footprint while integrating features designed to complement the existing historic pool deck and honoring the entire property’s iconic architecture.

The poll comes just days after the Greater Miami and the Beaches Hotel Association urged project approval from the Preservation Board, noting that the project would help maintain Miami Beach as a competitive global hospitality destination. The group’s CEO, Curtis Crider, said projects such as this one are “essential” to the city’s economic future.

“On behalf of the hotel community, we believe this initiative strengthens the city’s competitiveness, supports sustainable economic growth, and reflects the evolution necessary to ensure Miami Beach’s continued success,” he wrote last week in a letter to the Preservation Board.