FL Legislature Protects Land in Agriculture

With your Southeast Regional Ag News, I am Haylie Shipp. This is the Ag Information Network.

Own agricultural land in Florida? Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson is now reminding local governments of a new law that puts in monetary protections for that land.

‘In the letter, Commissioner Simpson emphasized that his top priority is to ensure that Florida agriculture continues to prosper saying that when farmers succeed, we all succeed. He references what he calls were “significant strides” during the 2023 Legislative Session including the amendment of s. 125.01, F.S., through the passage of HB 7063. It prohibits a county from levying special assessments on lands classified as agricultural.

According to the Commissioner, the change comes after seeing numerous instances of special assessments on agricultural lands being applied unfairly and/or unreasonably.

“Agriculture is not only the quiet giant of our economy, but it is also an issue of national security,” says Commissioner Simpson. “All too often, our residents and decision makers take for granted Florida’s agricultural abundance.”

The law – which again prohibits a county from levying special assessments on lands classified as agricultural – is in effect in Florida as of July 1.