July 2, 2007

ISSUE 1173

AGRITOURISM/TRESPASS BILL SIGNED INTO LAW

HB1427, sponsored by Rep. Juan Zapata (R-Miami) and Sen. Mike Haridopolos (R-Melbourne), was approved by the Legislature May 2 and signed into law by Gov. Crist June 27. This new law authorizes the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to assist certain agencies and organizations in the development of agritourism and is designed to “promote and perpetuate agriculture” by encouraging the growth and development of agritourism in Florida.

HB 553, sponsored by Rep. Baxter Troutman (R) Winter Haven and Sen. J.D. Alexander (R) Lake Wales, was amended onto HB 1427 late in the session. This section of the new law limits the liability of agricultural landowners from claims of negligence that may be brought against them related to the injury or death of persons who are trespassing on agricultural lands and increases the penalties for certain trespass offenses.

The new law also allows agricultural land to be posted by painting “No Trespassing” in orange letters on trees and fence posts rather than requiring landowners to post their property with traditional signs.

For additional information, Producer Members may contact the FFVA Government Affairs Division at (850) 521-0455.