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CS/SB 628 — Urban Agriculture
by Rules Committee and Senator Rouson
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Agriculture Committee (AG)
CS/SB 628 exempts propelled equipment used on a farm or used to transport farm products for the purpose of urban agriculture from the requirement that that farm equipment be stored, maintained, or repaired within the boundaries of the owner’s farm and be located at least 50 feet away from a public road. The bill does not exempt nonresidential farm buildings, fences, or signs located on lands used for urban agriculture from the Florida Building Code or local governmental regulations.
The bill defines “urban agriculture” and provides applicability.
The bill authorizes the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (Department) to approve five urban agricultural pilot project programs in municipalities throughout the state. The bill sets forth requirements by which the Department may approve such projects, outlines eligibility and application requirements, and provides project length periods. The bill requires that municipalities submit a report to the Department outlining outcome and impact of their pilot projects by a specified date. The Department is then required to submit a report on the outcomes and impacts of the pilot projects to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
The bill expressly preserves local governmental authority to regulate urban agriculture under certain circumstances.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2021.
Vote: Senate 40-0; House 117-0