The bill amends sections 163.3162 and 163.3164 of the Florida Statutes to establish a process for certifying certain parcels of land as agricultural enclaves. It allows landowners or their authorized agents to apply for certification, provided that adjacent parcels permit the same or higher density. The local government is required to provide a written report on the application within 30 days and hold a public hearing to approve or deny the certification within another 30 days. If the local government fails to act within 90 days, the parcel must be certified. The bill also stipulates that if an application is denied, the governing body must provide a written decision with findings of fact, and the applicant can seek judicial review. Additionally, the bill encourages local governments to incorporate site design measures for developments that may affect wildlife corridors.

The definition of "agricultural enclave" is revised to include parcels that are undeveloped, owned by a single entity, and have been used for agricultural purposes for at least five years. The bill also specifies that these enclaves must be surrounded by existing or planned industrial, commercial, or residential developments. Notably, it deletes provisions related to amendments to local government comprehensive plans and establishes that local governments cannot impose more burdensome regulations on agricultural enclaves than on other comparable uses. The amendments will expire on January 1, 2028, reverting to the previous text, and the act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 686 Filed: 163.3162, 163.3164
S 686 c1: 163.3162, 163.3164
S 686 c2: 163.3162, 163.3164
S 686 c3: 163.3162, 163.3164
S 686 er: 163.3162, 163.3164