TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – On Monday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a new bill into law, which covers a wide array of issues.
The law — SB 290 — was first filed all the way back in October, and it makes a number of different changes related to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
While in Sebring for a news conference, DeSantis signed the bill, which his office said will help reinforce Florida’s agricultural industry and protect consumers.
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“This important farm bill builds on the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ reforms to protect Florida agriculture, consumers, and rural communities,” DeSantis said. “It also protects the health, security and freedom of Floridians.”
According to Legislative analysts, the new law will make all of the following changes:
- Gas-Powered Equipment: Prohibits local governments from enacting ordinances that restrict the use of gasoline-powered farm or landscape equipment
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- CDL Exams: Imposes criminal penalties for receiving or providing unauthorized help on a commercial driver license exam
- Concealed Weapons: Prohibits someone from wearing/displaying the phrase “concealed weapon permit” with the intention to mislead
- ‘No Solicitation:’ Prohibits commercial solicitation on properties that comply with “no solicitation” signage requirements
- Contractor Penalties: Adds penalties for contractors who fail to timely compensate their subcontractors and suppliers
- Insurance Standards: Increases insurance requirements and maximum fine amounts for fumigation providers
- Signal Jammers: Prohibits the possession, use, manufacture, import, sale or distribution of signal jamming devices
- Venue Permits: Prohibits local governments from requiring an agricultural property owner to obtain a rural event venue permit/license
- Density Requirements: Establishes density requirements for developers who seek to build in small municipalities, though the municipal government may waive these standards by a unanimous vote
- DEP Analysis: Requires the Department of Environmental Protection to determine whether any state-owned conservation lands are suitable for bona fide agricultural purposes
- Energy Compact: Repeals Florida’s participation in the Southern States Energy Compact
- Food Initiative: Repeals the Healthy Food Financing Initiative
Now that the law has been signed, it’s slated to take effect on July 1.
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