Bill > H0691

This bill, titled "Agricultural Enclaves," allows owners of certain large, undeveloped parcels of land that have been used for agriculture for at least five years to apply to their local government to have their land certified as an "agricultural enclave." An agricultural enclave is defined as a parcel or parcels that, as of January 1, 2025, are owned or controlled by a single entity, have been continuously used for bona fide agricultural purposes for five years prior to an application, are surrounded by existing or designated industrial, commercial, or residential development (or a combination including an interstate highway and urban service areas), have public services available or scheduled, and do not exceed a certain acreage, with exceptions for parcels adjacent to significant residential development or within specific rural study areas. Once certified, the owner can submit development plans for single-family residential housing, or in some cases commercial or industrial uses if adjacent to an interstate highway, which will be treated as a conforming use regardless of the local government's comprehensive plan or zoning. Local governments must provide a report on the application within 30 days and hold a public hearing to approve or deny certification within another 30 days, with automatic certification if no decision is made within 90 days of the application. Denied applications require a written decision with findings of fact, and applicants can seek judicial review. Local governments and enclave owners must enter into a written agreement for the development plan approval process, which cannot exceed 180 days and cannot involve further quasi-judicial review or public hearings. The bill also prohibits local governments from enacting or enforcing regulations on agricultural enclaves that are more burdensome than for comparable uses and requires them to treat enclaves adjacent to urban service districts as if they are within those districts. Importantly, these provisions related to agricultural enclaves are set to expire on January 1, 2028, at which point the relevant laws will revert to their previous text unless amended by other legislation.

Government Affairs, Housing and Urban Affairs

Housing, Agriculture & Tourism Subcommittee (House), State Affairs Committee (House)

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/691