Florida Senate - 2012                CS for CS for CS for SB 502
       
       
       
       By the Committees on Budget Subcommittee on Finance and Tax;
       Community Affairs; and Agriculture; and Senators Hays and Dean
       
       
       
       593-02259-12                                           2012502c3
    1                        A bill to be entitled                      
    2         An act relating to public fairs and expositions;
    3         amending s. 616.001, F.S.; redefining existing terms
    4         and defining the terms “annual public fair” and
    5         “concession”; amending s. 616.01, F.S., relating to
    6         requirements for the proposed charter of an annual
    7         public fair; revising provisions to conform to changes
    8         made by the act; amending s. 616.02, F.S.; providing
    9         that the primary objective of a fair association is
   10         the holding, conducting, and promoting of public fairs
   11         or expositions; amending s. 616.03, F.S.; providing
   12         that a fair association may file its duly approved
   13         charter with the Department of State in addition to
   14         the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
   15         for notice purposes; amending s. 616.05, F.S.;
   16         providing the process by which a fair association may
   17         amend its charter; requiring a fair association that
   18         files its charter with the Department of State to file
   19         a copy of amendments to its charter with that
   20         department; amending s. 616.051, F.S.; revising
   21         provisions regarding the process by which a fair
   22         association may dissolve its charter; amending s.
   23         616.07, F.S.; revising provisions regarding the
   24         distribution of public funds and property when a fair
   25         association is dissolved; clarifying that certain
   26         authorized projects, activities, events, programs, and
   27         uses serve an essential governmental purpose and,
   28         therefore, are exempt from taxation; providing that
   29         certain exemptions are not applicable to taxes imposed
   30         under ch. 212, F.S.; amending s. 616.08, F.S.;
   31         requiring each fair association to hold an annual
   32         public fair; authorizing the fair association to
   33         license certain property and to grant, lease, rent, or
   34         license space for exhibits and concessions; requiring
   35         the fair association to stimulate public interest in
   36         the benefit and development of certain resources of
   37         the state, any county, or a municipality, including
   38         facilities for specified uses; providing that certain
   39         fair associations are noncommercial activity
   40         providers; amending s. 616.101, F.S.; revising
   41         provisions related to the review of association
   42         accounts and records; amending s. 616.11, F.S.;
   43         clarifying the rights of the association to use
   44         certain property for public purposes; adding the
   45         Department of Transportation to the list of
   46         governmental entities that may make contributions to a
   47         fair association to assist it in carrying out its
   48         purpose; authorizing state, county, and municipal
   49         governments to fund certain projects at or connected
   50         with public fairs and expositions; amending s. 616.12,
   51         F.S.; revising provisions relating to the exemption
   52         from certain license taxes and local business taxes
   53         for annual public fairs held by a fair association;
   54         amending s. 616.121, F.S., relating to a penalty
   55         imposed for making false application for a permit;
   56         replacing the term “exhibitions” with the term “annual
   57         public fair” to conform to changes made by the act;
   58         amending s. 616.14, F.S.; prohibiting a fair
   59         association from conducting more than one annual
   60         public fair each calendar year; amending ss. 616.15
   61         and 616.17, F.S., relating to procedures for obtaining
   62         a permit from the Department of Agriculture and
   63         Consumer Services to conduct a public fair; revising
   64         provisions to conform to changes made by the act;
   65         revising requirements for obtaining a departmental
   66         waiver from minimum exhibit requirements; amending s.
   67         616.185, F.S.; revising provisions prohibiting the
   68         offense of trespass upon the grounds or facilities of
   69         a public fair; amending s. 616.19, F.S.; revising
   70         provisions relating to the designation of fairs;
   71         amending s. 616.21, F.S.; revising provisions related
   72         to the expenditure of appropriated funds; amending s.
   73         616.23, F.S.; removing certain limitations on the use
   74         of buildings by counties, municipalities, or fair
   75         associations; amending s. 616.24, F.S.; revising
   76         provisions related to enforcement; amending s.
   77         288.1175, F.S.; conforming cross-references; providing
   78         an effective date.
   79  
   80  Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
   81  
   82         Section 1. Section 616.001, Florida Statutes, is amended to
   83  read:
   84         616.001 Definitions.—As used in this chapter, the term:
   85         (1) “Annual public fair” means a community, county,
   86  district, regional, or state fair that is held and conducted by
   87  a fair association and permitted by the department pursuant to
   88  s. 616.15.
   89         (2)(1) “Authority” means the Florida State Fair Authority.
   90         (3)(2) “Community fair” means an annual public a fair that
   91  which serves an area of less than an entire county, has and the
   92  exhibits that of which are in accordance with s. 616.17, and
   93  gives in which premiums or awards are given to exhibitors of the
   94  fair. Agricultural products shall be produced in the community
   95  the exhibit represents. The majority of the board of directors
   96  of the fair shall reside, be employed, or operate a business in
   97  the community the fair represents.
   98         (4) “Concession” means use by a fair association, or a
   99  grant, lease, or license to a third party, of a portion of the
  100  land under the ownership, custody, or control of a fair
  101  association for specific uses, or the right to enter upon the
  102  land for specific purposes, such as providing rides, games,
  103  food, beverage, merchandise for sale, exhibits, projects,
  104  activities, events, programs, or other uses authorized in this
  105  chapter.
  106         (5)(3) “County fair” means an annual public a fair that
  107  which serves an entire county and provides exhibitors with
  108  premiums or awards for the exhibits that of which are in
  109  accordance with s. 616.17 and in which premiums or awards are
  110  given to exhibitors of the fair. Agricultural products must
  111  shall be typical of those produced in the county the exhibit
  112  represents in meeting minimum exhibit requirements. The majority
  113  of the board of directors of the fair shall reside, be employed,
  114  or operate a business in the county that the fair association
  115  represents.
  116         (6)(4) “Department” means the Department of Agriculture and
  117  Consumer Services.
  118         (7)(5) “District fair” means an annual public a fair that
  119  which serves at least five counties and has the exhibits that
  120  meet the requirements of which are in accordance with s. 616.17.
  121  A district, which fair shall pay at least not less than a
  122  minimum of $25,000 in cash premiums or awards to exhibitors of
  123  the fair. Agricultural products must shall be typical of those
  124  produced in the counties county the exhibit represents.
  125  Livestock may originate from outside the district, but must be
  126  registered in the exhibitor’s name at least 30 days before the
  127  opening day of the fair. Each county is shall be encouraged to
  128  have proportionate exhibits, typical of its respective natural
  129  resources. Each county shall have exhibits representing in some
  130  phase of basic resources in agriculture and industry.
  131         (8)(6) “Entry” means one item entered for competition or
  132  show. An entry may or may not constitute an exhibit, depending
  133  upon the regulations as stated in the premium book.
  134         (9)(7) “Exhibit” means one or more entries entered for
  135  exhibition and constituting a unit. An exhibit may consist of
  136  one or more entries, depending upon the regulations as stated in
  137  the premium book. The term includes parades and displays of
  138  articles or a collection of articles, whether static,
  139  interactive, or dynamic, by a fair association or a third party
  140  contracting with a fair association, such as exhibits of
  141  animals, art, housewares, or motor vehicles.
  142         (10)(8) “Exhibitor” means an individual, group of
  143  individuals, or business, including a fair association or third
  144  party contracting with a fair association, which has an exhibit
  145  having an entry or entries in a show or fair.
  146         (11)(9) “Fair association” or “association” means an
  147  association not for profit incorporated under this chapter for
  148  the purpose of conducting and operating public fairs or
  149  expositions.
  150         (12)(10) “Public fair or exposition” means a project,
  151  activity, event, or program and use by a fair association,
  152  including the annual public fair event, which serves the
  153  purposes specified in s. 616.08 and benefits and develops or
  154  exposition not for profit for the purpose of the benefit and
  155  development of the educational, agricultural, horticultural,
  156  livestock, charitable, historical, civic, cultural, scientific,
  157  and other resources of this the state, or any county, or
  158  counties of the state, or any municipality, or other community
  159  in this of any county of the state.
  160         (13)(11) “Regional fair” or “interstate fair” means an
  161  annual public a fair of this state and other several states, one
  162  of which is Florida, in which fair exhibits meet the
  163  requirements of are in accordance with s. 616.17. Agricultural
  164  products must shall be typical of those produced in the area the
  165  exhibit represents.
  166         (14)(12) “Specialized show” means a show or exhibition
  167  exhibiting and emphasizing a livestock or poultry show, or a
  168  fruit or vegetable festival, and must shall meet the minimum
  169  exhibit requirements specified as defined in s. 616.17. A
  170  specialized show may qualify under one of the definitions in
  171  subsections (2), (3), (5), (7), and (15) (13).
  172         (15)(13) “State fair” means an annual public a fair that
  173  which serves the entire state. Exhibits must comply shall be in
  174  accordance with s. 616.17, and cash premiums or awards may be
  175  given to exhibitors of the fair.
  176         Section 2. Section 616.01, Florida Statutes, is amended to
  177  read:
  178         616.01 Number of persons required; requisites of proposed
  179  charter.—Twenty-five or more persons who are residents and
  180  qualified electors of the county in which wherein the annual
  181  public fair is to be located, who wish wishing to form an
  182  association not for profit for the purpose of conducting and
  183  operating public fairs or expositions, may become incorporated
  184  in the following manner. The subscribers They shall submit the
  185  proposed charter to the department for review and approval. If
  186  the proposed charter is approved, the subscribers shall sign and
  187  then present the proposed charter to the judge of the circuit
  188  court for the county in which the principal office of the
  189  association will is to be located. The a proposed charter must
  190  specify signed by the intended incorporators, which shall set
  191  forth:
  192         (1) The name of the association and the place where the
  193  principal office is to be located. The name of the association
  194  shall include the word, “Inc.”
  195         (2) The general nature of the objectives its objects and
  196  powers of the association, including a provision that the
  197  association is incorporated for the sole purpose of conducting
  198  and operating public fairs or expositions.
  199         (3) The qualifications and terms of association members and
  200  criteria for the manner of their admission and expulsion.
  201  Provision may be made in the charter for ex officio membership,
  202  and memberships may be for terms of years.
  203         (4) The time for which the association it is to exist.
  204         (5) The name names and residence residences of each
  205  subscriber the subscribers.
  206         (6) Procedures for the election of and governance by what
  207  officers, who may its affairs are to be managed, and the time at
  208  which the officers will be elected or appointed.
  209         (7) The designation names of the officers who will are to
  210  manage the its affairs of the association until the first
  211  election or appointment under the charter.
  212         (8) Procedures for the adoption, amendment, or rescission
  213  of By whom its bylaws of the association are to be made,
  214  altered, or rescinded.
  215         (9) The highest amount of indebtedness or liability that
  216  may be accrued by the association to which it may at any time
  217  subject itself.
  218         Section 3. Section 616.02, Florida Statutes, is amended to
  219  read:
  220         616.02 Acknowledgment of charter.—The proposed charter of a
  221  fair association shall be acknowledged by at least three of its
  222  subscribers, each a person of good character and reputation,
  223  before an officer authorized to make acknowledgment of deeds.,
  224  which Subscribers shall also make and take subscribe to an oath,
  225  which must to be attached to the proposed charter, stating that
  226  the primary objective object of the association is public
  227  service and holding, conducting, and promoting public fairs or
  228  expositions; that money and other available assets in value
  229  exceeding $5,000 have there has been provided for the purposes
  230  of the association property, money, and other available assets
  231  in value exceeding $5,000; and that the association will operate
  232  intends in good faith to carry out the purposes and objectives
  233  objects set forth in its charter.
  234         Section 4. Section 616.03, Florida Statutes, is amended to
  235  read:
  236         616.03 Notice of application; approval and record of
  237  charter.—A notice of intention to apply to the circuit court
  238  judge for the charter of a fair association must specify,
  239  stating the date that time when the application will be made,
  240  shall be sent to the department for approval, and then shall be
  241  published in a newspaper in the county where the principal
  242  office of the association will is to be located once each week
  243  for 4 consecutive weeks. The notice must, setting forth briefly
  244  summarize the charter and objectives objects of the proposed
  245  association to be formed. The proposed charter shall be
  246  submitted to and approved by the board of county commissioners
  247  of the county in which the principal office of the association
  248  will is to be located. After Upon approval by of the department
  249  and the board of county commissioners, the proposed charter and
  250  with proof of both approval and publication shall be submitted
  251  to the circuit judge on the date specified at the time named in
  252  the notice.; and, If no cause is shown to the contrary and if
  253  the judge finds that the proposed charter is to be in proper
  254  form and will serve so sworn to and for the primary objective
  255  object of public service, the judge shall approve the charter
  256  and issue an order render a decree incorporating the subscribers
  257  under the charter for the objectives objects and purposes
  258  specified in the charter and with the powers therein specified.
  259  The charter and order decree of incorporation shall then be
  260  recorded in the office of the clerk of the circuit court in the
  261  county where the principal office of the association will is to
  262  be located and provided to in the office of the department.
  263  After the order is recorded, Thenceforth the subscribers and
  264  their associates are shall be incorporated with the objectives
  265  and powers established in the charter and under by the name
  266  given in the charter and with the objects and powers set forth
  267  therein. During the publication period, the proposed charter,
  268  during the time of publication, shall be on file in the office
  269  of the clerk of the circuit court. This section does not
  270  preclude a fair association from also filing its duly approved
  271  charter with the Department of State pursuant to chapter 617 for
  272  notice purposes.
  273         Section 5. Section 616.05, Florida Statutes, is amended to
  274  read:
  275         616.05 Amendment of charter.—A Any fair association may
  276  desiring to propose an amendment to of its charter may do so by
  277  resolution as provided in its charter or bylaws.
  278         (1) The proposed amendment shall be submitted to the
  279  department for approval.
  280         (2) After the department approves the proposed amendment,
  281  it will be incorporated into the original charter When approved,
  282  the proposed amendment, upon:
  283         (a) Publication of notice in the same manner as provided in
  284  s. 616.03;,
  285         (b) Filing the order of the circuit judge approving the
  286  amendment with Placement on file in the office of the clerk of
  287  the circuit court and in the office of the department;, the
  288  rendering of a decree of the circuit judge approving and
  289  allowing the amendment, and
  290         (c) Being recorded in the clerk’s office, shall be
  291  incorporated into the original charter.
  292  
  293  If a fair association has filed its charter with the Department
  294  of State pursuant to chapter 617, a copy of any amendment to the
  295  charter must be filed with the Department of State for notice
  296  purposes.
  297         Section 6. Section 616.051, Florida Statutes, is amended to
  298  read:
  299         616.051 Dissolving a charter.—A Any fair association may
  300  desiring to dissolve its charter may do so by resolution as
  301  provided in its charter or bylaws. The proposal for dissolving
  302  the charter shall be submitted to the department for approval.
  303  Upon approval and upon publication of notice and proof that all
  304  indebtedness has been paid and no claims are outstanding against
  305  the association, the circuit judge may, by decree, dissolve the
  306  association and order its remaining public funds remaining to be
  307  distributed as recommended by the board of directors.
  308         Section 7. Section 616.07, Florida Statutes, is amended to
  309  read:
  310         616.07 Members not personally liable; property of
  311  association held in trust; exempt from taxation.—
  312         (1) A No member, officer, director, or trustee of a fair
  313  association is not shall be personally liable for any of the
  314  debts of the association,; and no money or property of a fair
  315  association may not shall be distributed as profits or dividends
  316  among its members, officers, directors, or trustees., but
  317         (2) All money and property of the association, except that
  318  necessary shall, except for the payment of its just debts and
  319  liabilities, are be and remain perpetually public property,
  320  shall be administered by the association as trustee, and shall
  321  to be used exclusively for the legitimate purpose of the
  322  association. So long as they are used for that purpose, all
  323  money and property of the association are, and shall be, so long
  324  as so used, exempt from all forms of taxation, including special
  325  assessments, and any projects, activities, events, programs, and
  326  uses authorized by this part serve an essential governmental
  327  purpose and, therefore, are not taxable and are not subject to
  328  assessments. This section does not provide an exemption from or
  329  affect any tax imposed under chapter 212.
  330         (3)(2)Upon order of the circuit judge, any public funds or
  331  property remaining in a fair association when the association is
  332  dissolved shall be distributed by resolution of the board of
  333  directors, upon order of the circuit judge to any county or any
  334  municipality within the county. The board, and may designate
  335  provide in the distribution resolution the public project that
  336  will benefit from on which the funds shall be used or the manner
  337  in which the property will be used. If the use to which the
  338  property shall be put; however, where property has been
  339  contributed by a municipality or county, the property shall be
  340  reconveyed to the municipality or county that gave the property
  341  to the association making the contribution of said property.
  342         Section 8. Section 616.08, Florida Statutes, is amended to
  343  read:
  344         616.08 Additional powers of association.—Each Every fair
  345  association shall have the power to hold, conduct, and operate
  346  public fairs and expositions, including an annual public fair.
  347  annually and For that such purpose, a fair association may to
  348  buy, lease, acquire, and occupy lands, and erect buildings and
  349  improvements of any kind on all kinds thereon, and develop those
  350  lands, buildings, and improvements; to sell, mortgage, lease,
  351  license, or convey any such property or any part thereof, in its
  352  discretion, from time to time for the purpose of public fairs or
  353  expositions; to charge and receive compensation for admission to
  354  those public fairs and expositions, and grant a lease or license
  355  or rent for the sale or renting of space for exhibits,
  356  concessions exhibitions, and for other purposes privileges; to
  357  conduct and hold public meetings; to supervise and conduct
  358  lectures and all kinds of demonstration work in connection with
  359  or for the improvement of agriculture, horticulture,
  360  stockraising and poultry raising, and all kinds of farming and
  361  related matters connected therewith; to hold exhibits of
  362  agricultural and horticultural products and livestock, poultry,
  363  equine chickens, and other domestic animals; to give
  364  certificates or diplomas of excellence; to promote the progress
  365  of the geographical area it represents and serves and stimulate
  366  public interest in the advantages and development of that area
  367  by providing facilities for the benefit and development of the
  368  educational, agricultural, horticultural, livestock, equestrian,
  369  charitable, historical, civic, cultural, scientific, and other
  370  resources of the state, any county of the state, or any
  371  municipality or other community of any county of the state,
  372  including facilities for exhibits, concessions, and industrial
  373  exhibitions, public gatherings, cultural activities,
  374  entertainment events, recreational vehicle parking, auctions,
  375  trade shows, concerts, and other functions that which the
  376  association determines will enhance the educational, physical,
  377  economic, and cultural interests of the public; and generally to
  378  do, perform, and carry out all matters, acts, and business usual
  379  or proper in connection with public fairs and expositions.; but
  380  This enumeration of particular powers does shall not diminish be
  381  in derogation of or limit any special provisions of the charter
  382  of the association inserted for the regulation of its business,
  383  and the conduct of its affairs of creating, defining, limiting,
  384  and regulating the powers of the association or its officers or
  385  members.; provided, The treasurer or similar officer of the
  386  association shall be required to give a good and sufficient bond
  387  with a surety company duly authorized under the laws of the
  388  state, payable to the association and in an amount equal to the
  389  value of the total amount of money and other property in that
  390  officer’s possession or custody, in addition to the value of any
  391  money and property of the association which that may reasonably
  392  be expected to come into that officer’s possession or custody. A
  393  fair association organized under this chapter is a noncommercial
  394  activity provider.
  395         Section 9. Section 616.101, Florida Statutes, is amended to
  396  read:
  397         616.101 Annual review of accounts and records.—Once each
  398  year, a review of The accounts and records of every fair
  399  association whose annual public fair has an annual attendance of
  400  more than 25,000, based on sound accounting practices and
  401  procedures, shall be reviewed annually made by a qualified
  402  accountant licensed by the state. A fair association whose
  403  annual public fair has an annual attendance of 25,000 or fewer
  404  less must submit an annual financial statement that has been
  405  signed by an officer of the county. The results of the all such
  406  reviews shall be kept in the official records of each
  407  association, available to all directors of the association. A
  408  certified copy of the review shall be filed with in the office
  409  of the department:
  410         (1) On request by the department to certify expenditures of
  411  the premiums awarded to exhibitors of a fair state premium or of
  412  building funds when there is evidence of violation of state
  413  laws; or
  414         (2) When the association is applying for a fair permit.
  415         Section 10. Section 616.11, Florida Statutes, is amended to
  416  read:
  417         616.11 Association authorized to contract with
  418  municipality, county, or state for use of land; admission fees;
  419  state, counties, and municipalities authorized to make
  420  contributions.—Any fair association may enter into any contract,
  421  lease, or agreement with any municipality or county in the state
  422  or with the state or agency or subdivision of the state thereof
  423  for the donation to or the use and occupation by the association
  424  of any land owned, leased, or held by the county or municipality
  425  or the state or agency or subdivision of the state thereof
  426  during a such time and on the such terms approved by as the
  427  county or municipality or the state or agency or subdivision
  428  thereof may authorize, with the right on the part of the
  429  association to use the property for public charge and receive an
  430  admission fee to the fair or exposition purposes or any part
  431  thereof. The state, the Department of Transportation and or any
  432  other agency or subdivision of the state thereof, the board of
  433  county commissioners of any county within which the fair or
  434  exhibition is held, and the mayor and city council of any
  435  municipality within the county may also make contributions of
  436  money, property, or services to fair associations to assist in
  437  carrying out the purposes of the associations under as
  438  authorized by this chapter. The state or any agency or
  439  subdivision of the state, boards of county commissioners of the
  440  various counties of the state, and the mayor and city council of
  441  any municipality within the county may expend in their
  442  discretion such sums of money as they deem necessary for the
  443  best interests of their counties and in aiding the development
  444  of the educational, agricultural, horticultural, livestock,
  445  charitable, historical, civic, cultural, scientific, and any
  446  other resources of their counties at and in connection with
  447  public fairs and expositions, including the offering and paying
  448  of premiums for the exhibitions of resources of the state,
  449  county, or municipality their respective counties.
  450         Section 11. Section 616.12, Florida Statutes, is amended to
  451  read:
  452         616.12 Licenses upon certain shows; distribution of fees;
  453  exemptions.—
  454         (1) Each Every person who operates may operate under any
  455  terms whatsoever, including a lease arrangement, any traveling
  456  show, exhibition, amusement enterprise, carnival, vaudeville,
  457  exhibit, minstrel, rodeo, theatrical, game or test of skill,
  458  riding device, dramatic repertoire, or other show or amusement,
  459  or concession, (including a concession operating in a tent,
  460  enclosure, or other temporary structure, whether covered or
  461  uncovered) within the grounds of, and in connection with, any
  462  annual public fair or exposition held by a fair association
  463  shall pay the license taxes now or hereafter provided by law.;
  464  However, if in the event the association satisfies the
  465  requirements fully qualifies with all other provisions of this
  466  chapter, including securing the required fair permit from the
  467  department, the traveling show, exhibition, amusement
  468  enterprise, carnival, vaudeville, minstrel, rodeo, theatrical,
  469  game or test of skill, riding device, dramatic repertoire, or
  470  other show or amusement (including a concession operating in a
  471  tent, enclosure, or other temporary structure, whether covered
  472  or uncovered) within the grounds of, and in connection with, any
  473  such fair or exposition is not required to pay any such license
  474  taxes and local business tax authorized in chapter 205 are
  475  waived and the department shall issue tax, but shall operate
  476  under a tax exemption certificate issued by the department. The
  477  department shall adopt prescribe the proper forms and rules to
  478  administer for carrying out the purpose and intent expressed in
  479  this section, including the necessary tax exemption certificate,
  480  to be signed by the tax collector, showing that the fair
  481  association has met all requirements and that the traveling
  482  show, exhibition, amusement enterprise, carnival, vaudeville,
  483  exhibit, minstrel, rodeo, theatrical, game or test of skill,
  484  riding device, dramatic repertoire, or other show or amusement,
  485  or concession (including a concession operating in a tent,
  486  enclosure, or other temporary structure, whether covered or
  487  uncovered) has met in full all requirements of this chapter and
  488  accordingly is fully exempt.
  489         (2) Any fair association securing the required annual fair
  490  permit from the department is exempt from local business tax as
  491  defined by chapter 205 occupational license fees, occupational
  492  permit fees, or any occupational taxes assessed by any county,
  493  municipality, political subdivision, or agency, or
  494  instrumentality thereof.
  495         Section 12. Section 616.121, Florida Statutes, is amended
  496  to read:
  497         616.121 Making false application.—Any person who, with
  498  fraudulent intent, makes or causes to be made any false
  499  statement in an application for a permit to hold an annual a
  500  public fair or exposition or in an application for distribution
  501  of the amount paid for license taxes under the provisions of
  502  this chapter, with fraudulent intent of obtaining that permit or
  503  amount, and by that false statement obtains that permit or
  504  distribution, any part of that amount for himself or herself or
  505  for any firm or corporation in which that person has a financial
  506  interest, or for whom that person is acting, commits a
  507  misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s.
  508  775.082 or s. 775.083.
  509         Section 13. Section 616.14, Florida Statutes, is amended to
  510  read:
  511         616.14 Number of fairs; penalty.—
  512         (1) A fair association may not conduct more than one annual
  513  public fair each calendar year. Any fair association that
  514  conducts more than one public fair or exposition during any one
  515  calendar year is subject to revocation of its charter by the
  516  court granting the charter.
  517         (2) Any fair association that does not conduct an annual a
  518  public fair or exposition for a period of 3 calendar years
  519  shall, upon the recommendation of the department, have its
  520  charter revoked by the court granting the charter.
  521         Section 14. Section 616.15, Florida Statutes, is amended to
  522  read:
  523         616.15 Permit from Department of Agriculture and Consumer
  524  Services required.—
  525         (1) An annual No public fair or exposition may not be
  526  conducted by a fair association without a permit issued by the
  527  department. The permit shall be issued in the following manner:
  528  The association shall present to the department an application
  529  for a the permit, signed by an officer of the association, at
  530  least 3 months before holding the annual public fair. The or
  531  exposition; this application shall be accompanied by a fee in an
  532  amount to be determined by the department not to exceed $366 or
  533  be less than $183 for processing the application and making any
  534  required investigation. The application fee must be at least
  535  $183 and may not exceed $366. The Fees collected under this
  536  subsection shall be deposited in the General Inspection Trust
  537  Fund of the State Treasury in a special account to be known as
  538  the “Agricultural and Livestock Fair Account.” A copy of the
  539  application must be sent to each fair association located within
  540  50 miles of the site of the proposed annual public fair or
  541  exposition at the same time the application is sent to the
  542  department. The department may issue a the permit if the
  543  applicant provides if the application sets forth:
  544         (a) The opening and closing dates of the proposed annual
  545  public fair or exposition.
  546         (b) The name and address of the owner of the central
  547  amusement attraction that will to operate during the annual
  548  public fair or exposition.
  549         (c) An affidavit properly executed by the president or
  550  other chief executive officer of the applicant association
  551  certifying the existence of a binding contract entered into by
  552  the association or exposition and the owner of the central
  553  amusement attraction covering the period for which the permit
  554  from the department is applied. The contract or contracts
  555  between the parties shall be available for inspection by duly
  556  authorized agents of the department in administering this
  557  chapter.
  558         (d) A written statement that the main purpose of the
  559  association is to conduct and operate a public the proposed fair
  560  and or exposition, including the annual fair, for the benefit
  561  and development of the educational, agricultural, horticultural,
  562  livestock, charitable, historical, civic, cultural, scientific,
  563  and other resources of the geographical area the fair
  564  association or exposition represents and serves. The statement
  565  must shall be in writing, shall be subscribed, and shall be
  566  acknowledged by an officer of the association before an officer
  567  authorized to take acknowledgments.
  568         (e) A premium list of the current annual public fair or
  569  exposition to be conducted or a copy of the previous year’s
  570  premium list showing all premiums and awards to be offered to
  571  exhibitors in various departments of the annual public fair,
  572  which may include, but are not limited to, such as art
  573  exhibition, beef cattle, county exhibits, dairy cattle,
  574  horticulture, swine, women’s department, 4-H Club activities,
  575  Future Farmers of America activities, Future Homemakers of
  576  America activities, poultry and egg exhibits, and community
  577  exhibits, the foregoing being a list of the usual exhibitors of
  578  a fair and not to be construed as limiting the premium list to
  579  these departments. The premium list, which may be submitted
  580  separately from the application, must be submitted at least at
  581  any time not later than 60 days before the holding of the annual
  582  public fair begins operation or exposition, and the department
  583  shall issue the permit as provided in this section within 10
  584  days thereafter if the applicant is properly qualified.
  585         (f) Proof of liability insurance insuring the association
  586  against liability for injury to persons, in an amount of not
  587  less than $300,000 per occurrence.
  588         (g) A copy of the most recent review.
  589         (h) A list of all current members of the board of directors
  590  of the association and their contact information, including home
  591  address addresses.
  592  
  593  The department shall issue the permit within 10 days after it
  594  receives all the information and the applicant qualifies
  595  pursuant to this section.
  596         (2) The department shall administer and enforce the
  597  provisions of this chapter except as to the regulation of games,
  598  which shall be regulated by local law enforcement agencies. The
  599  department shall adopt is authorized to make and publish rules
  600  to administer, not inconsistent with this chapter, including
  601  rules governing as to the form and contents of the application
  602  for the permit and any reports that it may deem necessary in
  603  enforcing the provisions of this chapter.
  604         (3) Notwithstanding any fair association meeting the
  605  requirements set forth in subsection (1), the department may
  606  order a full investigation to determine if whether or not the
  607  fair association meets in full the requirements of s. 616.01,
  608  and accordingly may withhold a permit from, deny a permit to, or
  609  withdraw a permit once issued to the association. The department
  610  shall also consider whether any proposed annual public fair or
  611  exposition, as set forth in an application for a permit, will
  612  compete with another annual public fair or exposition within 50
  613  miles of the proposed annual public fair or exposition with
  614  respect to name, dates of operation, or market. The department
  615  may deny, withhold, or withdraw a permit from a fair association
  616  if the department determines that such fair association will
  617  compete with another association. The department shall give
  618  preference to existing fair associations with established dates,
  619  locations, and names. The determination by the department is
  620  shall be final.
  621         Section 15. Subsections (1) and (3) of section 616.17,
  622  Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
  623         616.17 Minimum exhibits.—
  624         (1) An annual No public fair or exposition conducted by a
  625  fair association may not be approved by the department for a tax
  626  exemption certificate unless the fair association or exposition
  627  displays at least the following minimum exhibits, but this
  628  requirement may not be construed as a limitation on the number
  629  of exhibits which the fair or exposition may have:
  630         (a) Three exhibits from 4-H Clubs or Future Farmers of
  631  America chapters which are officially approved by those clubs or
  632  chapters.
  633         (b) Three exhibits of community, individual, or county farm
  634  displays.
  635         (c) Three exhibits of field crops in at least three
  636  different crops.
  637         (d) Three exhibits of horticultural products.
  638         (e) Three culinary exhibits such as canned fruits, canned
  639  vegetables, canned pickles or juices, jams, jellies, cakes,
  640  bread, candies, or eggs.
  641         (f) Three exhibits of household arts such as homemade
  642  spreads, towels, luncheon sets, rugs, clothing, or baby apparel.
  643         (g) Three exhibits of fruit or vegetable crops in at least
  644  three different crops.
  645         (h) Three exhibits of arts, crafts, photography, or
  646  antiques or of scout handiwork.
  647         (i) Three exhibits from home demonstration, home economics,
  648  educational, religious, or civic groups.
  649         (j) Three exhibits of livestock such as dairy cows, beef
  650  cattle, hogs, sheep, poultry, horses, or mules.
  651         (3) The department may provide a waiver to the minimum
  652  exhibit requirements of this section to any fair association
  653  that submits an application for the waiver to the department, at
  654  least 30 60 days before prior to the annual public fair or
  655  exposition in need of the waiver, and shows good cause why the
  656  requirements of this section cannot be met.
  657         Section 16. Section 616.185, Florida Statutes, is amended
  658  to read:
  659         616.185 Trespass upon grounds or facilities of public fair
  660  or exposition; penalty; arrests.—
  661         (1) For the purposes of this chapter, trespass upon the
  662  grounds of the Florida State Fair Authority or any other public
  663  fair association or exposition permitted under s. 616.15 means:
  664         (a) Entering and remaining upon any grounds or facilities
  665  owned, operated, or controlled by the Florida State Fair
  666  Authority or any other association public fair or exposition
  667  permitted under s. 616.15 and committing any act that which
  668  disrupts the orderly conduct of any authorized activity of the
  669  fair association organization in charge, or its lessees,
  670  licensees, or the general public on those grounds or facilities;
  671  or
  672         (b) Entering and remaining on those grounds or facilities
  673  after being directed not to enter or to leave them by the
  674  executive director of the authority, chief administrative
  675  officer of the fair association or exposition, or any employee
  676  or agent of the association thereof designated by the executive
  677  director or administrator to maintain order on those grounds and
  678  facilities, after a determination by the executive director,
  679  administrator, employee, or agent that the entering or remaining
  680  on those grounds or facilities is in violation of the rules and
  681  regulations of the Florida State Fair Authority or permitted
  682  public fair association or exposition or is disrupting the
  683  orderly conduct of any authorized activity of the fair
  684  association organization in charge, or its lessees, licensees,
  685  or the general public on those grounds or facilities.
  686         (2) Any person found guilty of committing the offense of
  687  trespass upon the grounds of the Florida State Fair Authority or
  688  any other public fair association or exposition permitted under
  689  s. 616.15 commits is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second
  690  degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
  691         (3) A law enforcement peace officer may arrest any person
  692  on or off the premises, without a warrant, if the officer has
  693  probable cause for believing such person has committed the
  694  offense of trespass upon the grounds of the Florida State Fair
  695  Authority or any public fair association or exposition permitted
  696  under s. 616.15. Such an arrest does shall not render the law
  697  enforcement peace officer criminally or civilly liable for false
  698  arrest, false imprisonment, or unlawful detention.
  699         Section 17. Section 616.19, Florida Statutes, is amended to
  700  read:
  701         616.19 Designation of fairs.—Any public fair association or
  702  exposition heretofore or hereafter created pursuant to this
  703  chapter shall be designated by the name stated in the permit
  704  required or stated by its fair association and is shall be
  705  recognized by the state as equal in dignity to the Florida State
  706  Fair and as fully recognized as the Florida State Fair.
  707         Section 18. Section 616.21, Florida Statutes, is amended to
  708  read:
  709         616.21 Agricultural and livestock exhibit buildings;
  710  conditions for expenditures.—No part of Appropriated funds may
  711  not be expended except upon approval and with the recommendation
  712  of the department. Further, the no part of such an appropriation
  713  may not be expended for the construction of a building unless
  714  and until a good fee simple title to the land on which the
  715  building is to be constructed is vested in the county,
  716  municipality, or fair association for which the building is to
  717  be constructed.
  718         Section 19. Section 616.23, Florida Statutes, is amended to
  719  read:
  720         616.23 Use of buildings.—The buildings authorized by ss.
  721  616.21-616.23 may be used by the county, municipality, or fair
  722  association for which the buildings are built as agricultural or
  723  livestock exhibition buildings for public fair or exposition
  724  purposes in the promotion of the agricultural and livestock
  725  industries. These buildings may be used as office space for
  726  agricultural agents; however, no more than 20 percent of the
  727  buildings may be so used.
  728         Section 20. Subsection (2) of section 616.24, Florida
  729  Statutes, is amended to read:
  730         616.24 Enforcement.—
  731         (2) It is the duty of each every state attorney, law
  732  enforcement officer as defined by chapter 943, and other
  733  appropriate county or municipal officer to enforce this chapter
  734  and the rules adopted pursuant thereto and to assist the
  735  department and its inspectors and agents in the enforcement of
  736  this chapter and the rules adopted pursuant thereto.
  737         Section 21. Paragraph (a) of subsection (4) and subsection
  738  (6) of section 288.1175, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
  739         288.1175 Agriculture education and promotion facility.—
  740         (4) The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
  741  shall certify a facility as an agriculture education and
  742  promotion facility if the Department of Agriculture and Consumer
  743  Services determines that:
  744         (a) The applicant is a unit of local government as defined
  745  in s. 218.369, or a fair association as defined in s.
  746  616.001(11) 616.001(9), which is responsible for the planning,
  747  design, permitting, construction, renovation, management, and
  748  operation of the agriculture education and promotion facility or
  749  holds title to the property on which such facility is to be
  750  developed and located.
  751         (6) Funds may not be expended to develop or subsidize
  752  privately owned facilities, except for facilities owned by fair
  753  associations as defined in s. 616.001(11) 616.001(9).
  754         Section 22. This act shall take effect July 1, 2012.