The bill amends various sections of Florida Statutes to improve the operations and regulatory framework of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Key provisions include exempting certain department positions from the Career Service System, defining terms related to agricultural housing, and prohibiting local governments from enacting legislation that restricts the construction of housing for verified agricultural workers on bona fide farms. It establishes criteria for such housing, mandates compliance with specific regulations, and requires property owners to maintain records. The bill also allows for the continued use of pre-existing housing sites under certain conditions and mandates the department to adopt relevant rules. Additionally, it introduces new regulations regarding electric vehicle charging stations, pest control operator certifications, and the management of charitable organizations, while enhancing enforcement powers and outlining penalties for violations.

Further amendments focus on financial discrimination against agricultural producers based on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors, prohibiting financial institutions from denying services based on these considerations. The bill also addresses various issues, including mail theft, drone usage for managing plant or animal diseases, and the establishment of educational facilities for agricultural education. It creates the Florida Retail Fuel Transfer Switch Modernization Grant Program to assist retail fuel facilities in upgrading infrastructure and introduces the Silviculture Emergency Recovery Program to support timber landowners. Overall, the legislation aims to streamline processes, enhance regulatory oversight, and bolster Florida's agricultural sector through targeted support and regulatory adjustments.

Statutes affected:
S 700 Filed: 110.205, 193.461, 201.25, 388.021, 388.181, 388.241, 388.301, 388.311, 388.321, 388.322, 388.323, 388.341, 388.351, 388.361, 388.381, 388.391, 388.401, 388.46, 403.067, 482.111, 482.141, 482.155, 482.156, 482.157, 487.044, 496.417, 500.03, 500.166, 500.172, 501.135, 501.912, 531.48, 531.49, 570.544, 570.822, 595.404, 599.002, 599.003, 599.012, 616.12, 741.0305, 790.33, 812.0151
S 700 c1: 110.205, 201.25, 388.021, 388.181, 388.241, 388.261, 388.301, 388.311, 388.321, 388.322, 388.323, 388.341, 388.351, 388.361, 388.381, 388.391, 388.401, 388.46, 403.067, 482.111, 482.141, 482.155, 482.156, 482.157, 487.044, 496.417, 500.03, 500.166, 500.172, 501.135, 501.912, 531.48, 531.49, 570.544, 570.822, 595.404, 599.002, 599.003, 599.012, 616.12, 741.0305, 812.0151, 934.50
S 700 c2: 110.205, 201.25, 388.021, 388.181, 388.241, 388.261, 388.301, 388.311, 388.321, 388.322, 388.323, 388.341, 388.351, 388.361, 388.381, 388.391, 388.401, 388.46, 403.067, 482.111, 482.141, 482.155, 482.156, 482.157, 487.044, 496.417, 500.03, 500.166, 500.172, 501.135, 501.912, 531.48, 531.49, 570.544, 570.822, 599.002, 599.003, 599.012, 616.12, 741.0305, 812.0151, 934.50
S 700 c3: 110.205, 201.25, 388.021, 388.181, 388.241, 388.261, 388.301, 388.311, 388.321, 388.322, 388.323, 388.341, 388.351, 388.361, 388.381, 388.391, 388.401, 388.46, 403.067, 482.111, 482.141, 482.155, 482.156, 482.157, 487.044, 496.417, 500.03, 500.166, 501.135, 501.912, 531.48, 531.49, 564.06, 570.544, 570.822, 595.404, 599.002, 599.003, 599.012, 616.12, 741.0305, 812.0151, 934.50