We are excited to share that both of the bills filed that will further protect agritourism operators are moving through the Legislature. Senate Bill 1186, by Senator Ben Albritton (R-Bartow), passed its second committee, the Senate Finance and Tax, unanimously, Thursday, February 3rd. It will be heard next in the Appropriations Committee, its final stop.
House Bill 717, by Josie Tomkow (R-Auburndale), was heard in the House Ways & Means committee on Tuesday, January 27th and in the State Affairs committee on Tuesday, February 9th and passed both committees unanimously. The House bill is ready to be heard on the Floor.
These bills would prohibit a property appraiser from denying or revoking a farm’s agricultural land classification solely due to a bona fide farm conducting agritourism activities. The latest staff analyses of the Senate bill may be read here and the House bill here.Your Association was present at all of the meetings and will continue to make our voice heard so that support for the bill continues. Additionally, we appreciate the support of the Ag Coalition and its members who have been present at the committee hearings.
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