CS/HB 1013 Summary: Urban Agriculture

• Amends section 604.40 to allow farm equipment used to transport farm products to be stored, maintained, or repaired on farm property within specified boundaries, with exemption for equipment used in urban agriculture.

• Amends section 604.50 to exclude urban agriculture lands from exemptions that normally apply to nonresidential farm buildings, fences, and signs, making them subject to Florida Building Code and local regulations.

• Creates the "Urban Agriculture Pilot Project Act" authorizing the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to approve up to 5 urban agricultural pilot projects (expandable to 10 after initial 3-year period) in municipalities with populations of 250,000 or more.

• Pilot projects run for initial 3-year terms and are renewable by mutual agreement; municipalities must submit annual reports on project outcomes and impacts to the department, which reports to the Legislature.

• Establishes that urban agriculture on approved pilot project lands is subject to applicable municipal regulations if the municipality enacts such regulations and designates existing farm operations as legally nonconforming before reenacting regulations.

• Effective date: July 1, 2021.