SB 304 & HB 59- Relating to Agritourism
On Monday, November 2nd, SB 304, relating to Agritourism, by Senator Kelli Stargel (R-Lakeland) was heard in the Senate Agriculture Committee and unanimously passed with 4 yeas and 0 nays.

On Wednesday, November 4th, HB 59, relating to Agritourism, by Rep. Neil Combee (R-Auburndale) was heard by the House Local Government Affairs Subcommittee and unanimously passed with 11 yeas and 0 nays.

The bill prohibits local governments from enforcing any local ordinance, regulation, rule, or policy that prohibits, restricts, regulates, or otherwise limits an agritourism activity on land classified as agricultural land under Florida’s greenbelt law. An “agritourism activity” is any agricultural related activity consistent with a bona fide farm or ranch or in a working forest that allows members of the general public, for recreational, entertainment, or educational purposes, to view or enjoy activities, including farming, ranching, historical, cultural, or harvest-your-own activities and attractions. Agritourism is one of the many methods farmers use to diversify and increase their income.

The next committee stop for SB 304 is the Senate Community Affairs Committee. AIF stood in support of this bill

HB 59 will now head to its last committee hearing in the House State Affairs Committee. AIF stood in support of this bill.

AIF supports any legislation that allows Florida farmers to safely expand their businesses through the use of Agritourism.