The bill, H.B. No. 294, aims to regulate food production on single-family residential lots by prohibiting property owners' associations from adopting or enforcing restrictive covenants that prevent residents from engaging in certain food production activities. Specifically, the bill allows for the growing of fruits and vegetables, the raising of up to six domestic fowl or adult rabbits, and the operation of cottage food production as defined by state health codes. While property owners' associations can impose reasonable requirements related to these activities, such regulations cannot effectively prohibit them, ensuring that residents maintain the right to produce food on their properties.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific conditions under which property owners' associations can regulate these activities, such as maintaining the growing area in good condition and addressing odor, noise, and sanitary conditions related to the keeping of animals. It clarifies that associations can regulate the construction of animal shelters and signage for cottage food operations, but they cannot restrict food production on properties owned by the association or its members. The bill will take effect on September 1, 2025, and any provisions that violate this section will be considered void.

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