Terms Used In Florida Statutes 474.201

  • Veterinarian: means a health care practitioner who is licensed to engage in the practice of veterinary medicine in Florida under the authority of this chapter. See Florida Statutes 474.202
  • Veterinary medicine: includes , with respect to animals, surgery, acupuncture, obstetrics, dentistry, physical therapy, radiology, theriogenology, and other branches or specialties of veterinary medicine. See Florida Statutes 474.202
The Legislature finds that the practice of veterinary medicine is potentially dangerous to the public health and safety if conducted by incompetent and unlicensed practitioners. The legislative purpose in enacting this chapter is to ensure that every veterinarian practicing in this state meet minimum requirements for safe practice. It is the legislative intent that veterinarians who are not normally competent or who otherwise present a danger to the public shall be disciplined or prohibited from practicing in this state.