CS/CS/CS/HB 1343 Summary

• Prohibits counties from levying special assessments for fire protection services on lands classified as agricultural under Florida law, except for bonds or certificates issued before July 1, 2023, that remain outstanding or their refundings.

• Authorizes construction or installation of housing for seasonal agricultural employees on agricultural lands operated as bona fide farms, with minimum requirements including 10-acre minimum parcel size, compliance with federal workplace standards (29 C.F.R. 1910.142), maximum 2,500 heated and cooled square feet per building, and no more than 3 structures per 10-acre parcel.

• Requires 750-foot setback from residential-zoned property lines for agricultural employee housing or an alternative 25-foot buffer with specific landscaping requirements (5 trees and 30 shrubs per linear foot).

• Prohibits counties and municipalities from requiring removal or relinquishment of agricultural land classification when property is subject to a development permit contract for sale if the landowner provides written notice, and the classification cannot be removed until the contract closes and the property is conveyed.

• Takes effect July 1, 2023.