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FL S1608
Bill
AI Summary
CS for SB 1608 - Agricultural Recovery Summary
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Creates the "Farmers and Ranchers Matter Act" and allows agricultural lands damaged by natural disasters with declared state of emergency to maintain agricultural classification for 5 years following emergency termination, unless diverted to non-agricultural use.
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Exempts from sales tax building materials for non-residential farm buildings, aquaculture equipment, and farm fences on agricultural land, plus associated labor costs, with retroactive application to September 1, 2017; requires purchasers to submit certificates for refunds within 6 months.
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Authorizes the Department of Transportation to waive weight load restrictions and permit verifications for transporting agricultural products from fields and packinghouses during declared emergencies, with waivers extendable for protracted harvesting and disaster recovery; allows electronic permit verification during emergencies.
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Establishes the State Agricultural Response Team within the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to develop and support county agricultural response teams, conduct asset acquisition, and coordinate at local emergency operations centers during disasters.
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Creates an agritourism signage program requiring the Department of Transportation to install directional signs on major public highways for agricultural facilities that operate at least 4 days weekly for 10 months annually, maintain at least 2 acres for touring, and offer agricultural tours.
Legislative Description
Agricultural Recovery
Last Action
Died in Appropriations
3/10/2018