Bill > S1244

This bill establishes a new definition for "constrained agricultural parcel," which refers to undeveloped land in unincorporated areas that is owned by a single entity or related entities, has been used for bona fide agriculture for at least three years, borders industrial, commercial, or residential development for at least a mile, and also borders land designated as undevelopable for at least a mile, with a maximum size of 6,400 acres, or aggregated parcels meeting similar criteria. It allows the owner of such a parcel to apply for an amendment to their local government's comprehensive plan, which is a long-term plan for community development. The bill requires local governments and landowners to negotiate in good faith for 180 days to reach an agreement on the proposed amendment, considering the surrounding land uses, densities, and intensities within a three-mile radius, excluding certain protected lands. If the proposed amendment aligns with these surrounding uses, it is presumed not to be urban sprawl, a term referring to low-density, car-dependent development. Regardless of whether an agreement is reached, the local government must send the amendment to the state land planning agency for review, and if the local government fails to do so within 180 days, the amendment is automatically sent to the state agency. Furthermore, local governments are generally prohibited from imposing development conditions that contradict the prevalent surrounding uses, densities, and intensities, with exceptions for military compatibility. The bill also clarifies that these provisions do not override existing protections for land within the Wekiva Study Area or the Everglades Protection Area.