SB 290 – Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

On Wednesday, January 14th, SB 290 by Senator Keith Truenow (R-Tavares) was heard by the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee and was reported favorably with 17 yeas and 3 nays. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

The bill enhances Florida’s approach on regulating the agriculture industry. The bill creates the Farmers Feeding Florida Program to ensure native, local ingredients are broadly available around the state. The bill also preempts local governments from passing ordinances that prohibit or restrict gas powered equipment used on lawns or agriculture lands.

SB 290 will now go to the Senate Rules Committee for consideration.

AIF supports promoting Florida’s agricultural community and protecting those who choose to work on agriculture lands from unfair local ordinances that can change business practices and make working lands unaffordable.

SB 250 – Rural Communities

On Wednesday, January 14th, SB 250 by Senator Corey Simon (R-Tallahassee) was heard on the Senate Floor and passed. AIF supports this legislation.

SB 250 is a piece of Senate President Ben Albritton’s (R-Wauchula) “Rural Renaissance” plan to strengthen Florida’s rural communities by investing and restructuring Florida’s approach to rural community management. This bill creates grant programs designed to promote new economic opportunities and growth by providing broadband infrastructure to underserved populations. The bill also develops roadmaps to expand healthcare access and modernization tools for rural counties in need of economic stimulation.

SB 250 will now go to the Florida House of Representatives for consideration.

AIF supports legislative efforts to boost economic vitality in Florida’s rural communities. These efforts will create jobs and allow businesses more opportunities for investment in the Sunshine State.