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 to apply for certification, requiring local governments to provide a written report on the application within 30 days and to hold a public hearing to approve or deny the certification within another 30 days. If the local government does not act within 90 days, the parcel is automatically certified. The bill also stipulates that if an application is denied, the local government must provide a written decision with findings of fact, and the applicant can seek judicial review. Additionally, it allows certified agricultural enclaves to submit development plans that must be treated as conforming uses, and prohibits local governments from enacting more burdensome regulations for these enclaves.

The definition of "agricultural enclave" is revised to include parcels that are unincorporated, undeveloped, and meet specific criteria regarding ownership, continuous agricultural use, surrounding development, and public services. The bill deletes provisions related to amendments to local government comprehensive plans and introduces new requirements for local governments to treat agricultural enclaves as if they are within urban service districts. It also includes a provision for the future expiration of these amendments on January 1, 2028, reverting the text to its previous state, while ensuring that any other amendments made outside this act remain effective. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
H 691 Filed: 163.3162, 163.3164