570.70 Legislative findings.—The Legislature finds and declares that: (1) A thriving rural economy with a strong agricultural base, healthy natural environment, and viable rural communities is an essential part of Florida. Rural areas also include the largest remaining intact ecosystems and best examples of remaining wildlife habitats as well as a majority of privately owned land targeted […]
570.71 Conservation easements and agreements.— (1) The department, on behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund, may allocate moneys to acquire perpetual, less-than-fee interest in land, to enter into agricultural protection agreements, and to enter into resource conservation agreements for the following public purposes: (a) Promotion and improvement of wildlife habitat; (b) Protection and […]
570.715 Conservation easement acquisition procedures.— (1) For less than fee simple acquisitions pursuant to s. 570.71, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services shall comply with the following acquisition procedures: (a) Before conveyance of title by the department, evidence of marketable title in the form of a commitment for title insurance or an abstract of title with a […]
570.73 Short title.—This act may be cited as the “Agricultural Economic Development Act.” History.—ss. 1, 10, ch. 91-268; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 74, ch. 2014-150. Note.—Former s. 570.241.
570.74 Definitions relating to Agricultural Economic Development Act.—For purposes of this act, the term: (1) “Agriculturally depressed area” means a rural area that has declining profitability from agricultural enterprises and one or more of the following characteristics: (a) A stable or declining population. (b) A stable or declining real per capita income. (c) A traditional economy based on agriculture or […]
570.75 Agricultural Economic Development Program; legislative intent.—There is created within the department the Agricultural Economic Development Program. The purpose of this program shall be to promote and coordinate efficient and beneficial agricultural economic development within agriculturally depressed areas of the state. History.—ss. 3, 10, ch. 91-268; s. 4, ch. 91-429; s. 76, ch. 2014-150. Note.—Former s. […]
570.76 Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; powers and duties.—For the accomplishment of the purposes specified in this act, the department shall have all powers and duties necessary, including, but not limited to, the power and duty to: (1) Identify and coordinate with all state agencies that can assist in agricultural economic development. (2) Administer, with approval of […]
570.77 Interaction with other economic development agencies and groups.—Because interagency and local community cooperation and sharing of available resources and expertise is crucial to the success of an agricultural economic development program, the department shall interact with federal and state agencies, commissions, boards, and advisory groups that have programs and interests in agricultural economic development. History.—ss. […]
570.78 Agricultural economic development funding.—Funds appropriated for the purposes specified in this act shall be used for the following: (1) Employment of personnel and payment of associated overhead, equipment, and supply costs. (2) Stimulating and assisting agribusiness entrepreneurship and new product development. (3) Feasibility studies and consulting contracts for the development of agribusinesses and value-added processes. (4) Issuance to approved […]
570.79 Adoption of rules.—The department shall adopt rules pertaining to: (1) Formal notification procedures for the availability of assistance, including publication in the Florida Administrative Register pursuant to s. 120.55. (2) Written evaluation criteria for selecting project proposals to receive assistance. The criteria for eligibility of assistance shall include a written business plan delineating the economic viability of […]
570.81 Agricultural Economic Development Project Review Committee; powers and duties.— (1) There is created an Agricultural Economic Development Project Review Committee consisting of five members appointed by the commissioner. The members shall be appointed based upon the recommendations submitted by each entity represented on the committee and shall include: (a) The commissioner or the commissioner’s designee. (b) One representative […]
570.82 Agricultural Economic Development Program disaster loans and grants and aid.— (1) USE OF LOAN FUNDS.— (a) Loan funds to agricultural producers who have experienced losses from a natural disaster or a socioeconomic condition or event may be used to: 1. Restore or replace essential physical property or remove debris from essential physical property. 2. Pay all or part of […]
570.83 Beef Market Development Act; definitions; Florida Beef Council, Inc., creation, purposes, governing board, powers, and duties; referendum on assessments imposed on gross receipts from cattle sales; payments to organizations for services; collecting and refunding assessments; vote on continuing the act; council bylaws.— (1) POPULAR NAME.—This act may be cited as the “Beef Market Development Act.” (2) LEGISLATIVE […]
570.841 Farm-to-fuel initiative.— (1) The department may develop a farm-to-fuel initiative to enhance the market for and promote the production and distribution of renewable energy from Florida-grown crops, agricultural wastes and residues, and other biomass and to enhance the value of agricultural products or expand agribusiness in the state. (2) The department may conduct a statewide comprehensive information […]
570.843 Florida Young Farmer and Rancher Advisory Council.— (1) There is created within the department the Florida Young Farmer and Rancher Advisory Council, to consist of 12 members to be appointed by the commissioner. Initially, 6 members shall be appointed by the commissioner for a 1-year term and 6 members for a 2-year term. Thereafter, members shall […]
570.844 Florida Young Farmer and Rancher Resource Clearinghouse.—The department shall establish on its website a clearinghouse for resources available to young and beginning farmers and ranchers, including, but not limited to, local, state, federal, and private sources of grants, loans, and scholarships, as well as general resources on finance and business planning. The clearinghouse also must […]
570.85 Agritourism.— (1) It is the intent of the Legislature to promote agritourism as a way to support bona fide agricultural production by providing a stream of revenue and by educating the general public about the agricultural industry. It is also the intent of the Legislature to eliminate duplication of regulatory authority over agritourism as expressed in […]
570.86 Definitions.—As used in ss. 570.85-570.89, the term: (1) “Agritourism activity” means any agricultural related activity consistent with a bona fide farm, livestock operation, or ranch or in a working forest which allows members of the general public, for recreational, entertainment, or educational purposes, to view or enjoy activities, including farming, ranching, historical, cultural, civic, ceremonial, training […]
570.87 Agritourism participation impact on land classification.— (1) In order to promote and perpetuate agriculture throughout this state, farm operations are encouraged to engage in agritourism. An agricultural classification pursuant to s. 193.461 may not be denied or revoked solely due to the conduct of agritourism activity on a bona fide farm or the construction, alteration, or […]
570.88 Liability.— (1) Except as provided in subsection (2), an agritourism operator, his or her employer or employee, or the owner of the underlying land on which the agritourism occurs is not liable for injury or death of, or damage or loss to, a participant resulting from the inherent risks of agritourism activities if the notice of […]
