CS/CS/CS/SB 290 full text · Session Watch

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2026 Legislature CS for CS for CS for SB 290, 1st Engrossed 2026290er

2 An act relating to the Department of Agriculture and

3 Consumer Services; creating s. 125.489, F.S.; defining

4 the terms “gasoline-powered farm equipment” and

5 “gasoline-powered landscape equipment”; prohibiting

6 counties from enacting or enforcing any law that

7 restricts or prohibits the use of gasoline-powered

8 farm equipment or gasoline-powered landscape equipment

9 or that distinguishes such equipment from any other

10 equipment under certain circumstances; providing

11 construction; amending s. 163.3164, F.S.; defining the

12 terms “ecologically significant parcel” and “low

13 density municipality”; amending s. 163.3202, F.S.;

14 prohibiting an application for a development on an

15 ecologically significant parcel in a low-density

16 municipality from being administratively approved

17 without an attestation provided by the developer;

18 specifying requirements for such attestation;

19 providing applicability; specifying requirements for

20 the attestation included in certain applications;

21 providing for a waiver; creating s. 166.063, F.S.;

22 defining the terms “gasoline-powered farm equipment”

23 and “gasoline-powered landscape equipment”;

24 prohibiting municipalities from enacting or enforcing

25 any law that restricts or prohibits the use of

26 gasoline-powered farm equipment or gasoline-powered

27 landscape equipment or that distinguishes such

28 equipment from any other equipment under certain

29 circumstances; providing construction; amending s.

30 212.055, F.S.; conforming a cross-reference; making a

31 technical change; amending s. 253.0341, F.S.;

32 requiring the Acquisition and Restoration Council to

33 determine whether certain surplused lands are suitable

34 for bona fide agricultural purposes; prohibiting a

35 local governmental entity from transferring future

36 development rights for surplused lands determined to

37 be suitable for bona fide agricultural purposes;

38 requiring the Department of Environmental Protection,

39 in coordination with the Department of Agriculture and

40 Consumer Services, to determine whether certain state

41 owned conservation lands are suitable for bona fide

42 agricultural purposes; authorizing the Department of

43 Environmental Protection to surplus certain state

44 owned lands determined to be suitable for bona fide

45 agricultural purposes; requiring the Department of

46 Environmental Protection to retain a rural-lands

47 protection easement for such surplused lands;

48 requiring that all proceeds from the sale of such

49 surplused lands be deposited in the Department of

50 Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Incidental Trust

51 Fund for less than fee simple; requiring the

52 Department of Environmental Protection to annually

53 provide a report of such surplused lands to the Board

54 of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund;

55 prohibiting certain lands from being surplused;

56 amending s. 259.1053, F.S.; deleting provisions

57 relating to the Babcock Ranch Advisory Group; amending

58 s. 287.1351, F.S.; revising circumstances under which

59 a vendor is prohibited from submitting a bid,

60 proposal, or reply to an agency or from entering into

61 or renewing any contract to provide goods or services

62 to an agency; amending s. 322.12, F.S.; providing

63 penalties for an applicant for a commercial driver

64 license who receives unauthorized assistance on

65 certain portions of the examination; amending s.

66 322.36, F.S.; prohibiting a person from knowingly or

67 willfully providing unauthorized assistance to an

68 applicant for the examination required to hold a

69 commercial driver license; repealing ss. 377.71,

70 377.711, and 377.712, F.S., relating to definitions

71 and the Southern States Energy Compact, Florida as

72 party to the Southern States Energy Compact, and

73 Florida’s participation in the Southern States Energy

74 Board, respectively; amending s. 403.0855, F.S.;

75 deleting a provision relating to legislative approval

76 of certain rules adopted by the Department of

77 Environmental Protection; revising requirements for

78 permittees of biosolids land application sites;

79 revising the date by which permits must comply with

80 specified provisions; requiring local governments that

81 do not transport biosolids outside of their respective

82 county boundaries to comply with specified provisions

83 by a specified date; providing construction; amending

84 s. 482.071, F.S.; requiring certain persons applying

85 for a pest control business license or renewal to

86 provide the department with a certificate of

87 insurance; specifying requirements for such

88 certificate of insurance; amending s. 482.161, F.S.;

89 revising the severity of an administrative fine for

90 violations of certain provisions; amending s. 482.165,

91 F.S.; revising civil penalties; amending s. 489.105,

92 F.S.; defining the terms “subcontractor” and

93 “supplier”; creating s. 489.1295, F.S.; requiring

94 licensed contractors to compensate subcontractors or

95 suppliers for services, labor, or materials within a

96 specified timeframe after receiving payment or in

97 accordance with the terms of the contract for

98 services, labor, or materials; providing an exception;

99 providing disciplinary measures; amending s. 500.04,

100 F.S.; revising the list of prohibited acts related to

101 the prevention of fraud, harm, adulteration,

102 misbranding, or false advertising in the preparation,

103 production, manufacture, storage, or sale of food;

104 repealing s. 500.81, F.S., relating to the Healthy

105 Food Financing Initiative; amending s. 500.93, F.S.;

106 making a technical change; amending s. 501.013, F.S.;

107 authorizing the Department of Agriculture and Consumer

108 Services to provide an exemption from certain health

109 studio regulations; creating s. 501.062, F.S.;

110 providing legislative intent; defining the terms

111 “commercial solicitation” and “dwelling”; prohibiting

112 a person from engaging in commercial solicitation

113 under certain circumstances; specifying requirements

114 for certain signage to be displayed on a property;

115 providing penalties; amending s. 570.07, F.S.;

116 authorizing the Department of Agriculture and Consumer

117 Services to reorganize departmental units upon the

118 approval of the Commissioner of Agriculture; amending

119 s. 570.822, F.S.; providing additional eligibility

120 requirements for the Agriculture and Aquaculture

121 Producers Emergency Recovery Loan Program; creating s.

122 570.832, F.S.; requiring the Florida Wildflower

123 Foundation, Inc., in coordination with the Department

124 of Agriculture and Consumer Services, to establish the

125 Florida Native Seed Research and Marketing Program,

126 subject to legislative appropriation; providing the

127 purpose of the program; creating s. 570.846, F.S.;

128 establishing the Florida Food Animal and Equine

129 Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program; providing

130 the purpose of the program; defining terms; providing

131 eligibility requirements for the program; authorizing

132 the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to

133 make loan principal repayments on behalf of eligible

134 candidates up to a certain amount for a specified

135 timeframe, subject to legislative appropriation;

136 providing construction; authorizing the Department of

137 Agriculture and Consumer Services to adopt rules;

138 amending s. 570.85, F.S.; prohibiting a local

139 government from requiring a property owner to obtain a

140 rural event venue permit or license; amending s.

141 570.86, F.S.; defining the term “rural event venue”;

142 amending s. 573.112, F.S.; renaming the Citrus

143 Research and Development Foundation, Inc., as the

144 Citrus Research and Field Trial Foundation, Inc.;

145 establishing the Citrus Research and Field Trial

146 Foundation, Inc., as a direct-support organization of

147 the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services;

148 revising provisions relating to membership; amending

149 s. 581.031, F.S.; conforming a provision to changes

150 made by the act; amending s. 583.01, F.S.; revising

151 the definition of the term “dealer”; amending s.

152 590.02, F.S.; revising the Florida Forest Service’s

153 powers, authority, and duties; authorizing the Florida

154 Forest Service to manage the Welaka Training Center;

155 conforming provisions to changes made by the act;

156 authorizing the Withlacoochee and Welaka Training

157 Centers to assess fees for specified purposes as

158 determined by the Florida Forest Service, regardless

159 of where certain training occurs; renaming the Bonifay

160 Forestry Station as the John Michael Mathis Forestry

161 Station to honor the late John Michael Mathis;

162 creating s. 595.421, F.S.; establishing the Farmers

163 Feeding Florida Program for specified purposes;

164 requiring Feeding Florida to take certain actions to

165 implement the program; prohibiting the foods purchased

166 by Feeding Florida through such program from

167 reentering the wholesale, retail, or secondary market;

168 prohibiting Feeding Florida from allowing a candidate

169 for elective office to host a food distribution event

170 during a specified timeframe; providing applicability;

171 amending s. 597.004, F.S.; making a technical change;

172 prohibiting the Department of Agriculture and Consumer

173 Services from renewing a certificate of registration

174 for a noncompliant facility unless certain

175 documentation is provided with the renewal

176 application; prohibiting entities whose certificate of

177 registration has been revoked from reapplying for a

178 specified period of time; amending s. 597.010, F.S.;

179 authorizing, rather than requiring, the periodic

180 adjustment of the annual rental fee charged for

181 certain leases; amending s. 599.012, F.S.; making

182 technical changes; amending s. 601.13, F.S.; renaming

183 the Citrus Research and Development Foundation, Inc.,

184 as the Citrus Research and Field Trial Foundation,

185 Inc.; amending s. 616.001, F.S.; revising and deleting

186 definitions relating to public fairs and expositions;

187 amending s. 616.01, F.S.; revising application

188 requirements for a proposed charter for an association

189 to conduct a public fair or exposition; requiring the

190 Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to

191 provide an applicant for a proposed charter with

192 specified information upon the denial of a proposed

193 charter; revising requirements for information that

194 must be included in the proposed charter; amending s.

195 616.02, F.S.; limiting the number of incorporated

196 state fair associations per county; providing

197 construction; authorizing the Department of

198 Agriculture and Consumer Services to waive certain

199 requirements at the discretion of the commissioner;

200 authorizing fair associations incorporated before a

201 certain date to conduct their affairs; deleting

202 provisions relating to requirements for a proposed

203 charter; amending s. 616.03, F.S.; revising

204 requirements for the approval and recordation of the

205 charter; amending s. 616.05, F.S.; revising the

206 process by which a proposed charter amendment is

207 incorporated into the original charter; amending s.

208 616.051, F.S.; revising the circumstances under which

209 a circuit judge is authorized to dissolve an

210 association and order the distribution of its

211 remaining assets; requiring that such assets be

212 distributed to certain counties; amending s. 616.07,

213 F.S.; deleting provisions relating to distribution of

214 public funds after the dissolution of an association;

215 amending s. 616.101, F.S.; specifying the basis for

216 annual public fair attendance records; requiring a

217 fair association to review its charter every 5 years

218 and submit an updated copy of the charter to the

219 Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services;

220 requiring a designated member of the association to

221 make an attestation; amending s. 616.15, F.S.; making

222 a technical change; revising the information that an

223 applicant must submit to the Department of Agriculture

224 and Consumer Services for the department to issue a

225 permit for an association to conduct a fair; revising

226 the timeframe within which the Department of

227 Agriculture and Consumer Services is required to issue

228 the permit upon the receipt of specified information;

229 making technical changes; deleting obsolete

230 provisions; amending s. 616.251, F.S.; exempting the

231 Florida State Fair Authority from specified

232 provisions; amending s. 624.4032, F.S.; revising the

233 definition of the term “nonprofit agricultural

234 organization”; amending s. 843.085, F.S.; prohibiting

235 a person from wearing or displaying an item that

236 displays the words “concealed weapon permit” or

237 “concealed weapon permitholder” with the intent to

238 mislead another to believe that the person is

239 authorized to wear or display such item; amending s.

240 934.02, F.S.; defining the term “signal jamming

241 device”; creating s. 934.51, F.S.; prohibiting the

242 possession, manufacture, sale, importation,

243 distribution, or use of a signal jamming device;

244 providing exceptions; providing criminal penalties;

245 providing for the merger and transfer of the Citrus

246 Research and Development Foundation, Inc., into the

247 Citrus Research and Field Trial Foundation, Inc.;

248 requiring the completion of the merger by a specified

249 date; providing that the merger is subject to

250 specified provisions; providing for the transfer of

251 funds; providing for the transfer of any program,

252 activity, duty, or function; establishing the Citrus

253 Research and Field Trial Foundation, Inc., as the

254 custodian of any property of the Citrus Research and

255 Development Foundation, Inc.; amending s. 288.1175,

256 F.S.; conforming cross-references; reenacting ss.

257 287.056(4) and 287.138(5), F.S., relating to

258 disqualification for state term contract eligibility

259 and contracting with entities of foreign countries of

260 concern prohibited, respectively, to incorporate the

261 amendment made to s. 287.1351, F.S., in references

262 thereto; reenacting s. 500.177(1), F.S., relating to

263 penalties for dissemination of a false advertisement,

264 to incorporate the amendment made to s. 500.04, F.S.,

265 in a reference thereto; reenacting s. 212.08(13),

266 F.S., relating to taxation and specified exemptions,

267 to incorporate the amendment made to s. 616.07, F.S.,

268 in a reference thereto; reenacting s. 616.185, F.S.,

269 relating to trespass upon grounds or facilities of a

270 public fair, to incorporate the amendment made to s.

271 616.15, F.S., in a reference thereto; providing an

272 effective date.

274 Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:

276 Section 1. Section 125.489, Florida Statutes, is created to

277 read:

278 125.489 Preemption of restrictions on gasoline-powered farm

279 equipment or gasoline-powered landscape equipment.—

280 (1) As used in this section, the term:

281 (a) “Gasoline-powered farm equipment” means any machine

282 powered by an internal combustion engine or motor that uses

283 gasoline, diesel, or a blend of gasoline and oil which is used

284 on a farm or used to transport farm products.

285 (b) “Gasoline-powered landscape equipment” means any

286 machine powered by an internal combustion engine or motor that

287 uses gasoline, diesel, or a blend of gasoline and oil which is

288 used to provide landscape management or maintenance or to move

289 leaves, dirt, grass, or other debris off of sidewalks,

290 driveways, lawns, or other surfaces.

291 (2) A county may not enact or enforce a resolution, an

292 ordinance, a rule, a code, or a policy or take any action that

293 restricts or prohibits the use of gasoline-powered farm

294 equipment or gasoline-powered landscape equipment and may not

295 create differing standards for such equipment or distinguish

296 such equipment from any electric or similar equipment in a

297 retail, manufacturer, or distributor setting.

298 (3) This section does not prohibit or limit a county from

299 encouraging the use of alternative farm or landscape equipment,

300 such as battery-powered farm or landscape equipment.

301 Section 2. Present subsections (18) through (30) and (31)

302 through (54) of section 163.3164, Florida Statutes, are

303 redesignated as subsections (19) through (31) and (33) through

304 (56), respectively, and new subsections (18) and (32) are added

305 to that section, to read:

306 163.3164 Community Planning Act; definitions.—As used in

307 this act:

308 (18) “Ecologically significant parcel” means a parcel of

309 land located within the boundaries of a low-density municipality

310 which is currently undeveloped and has been designated as either

311 rural, conservation, agricultural, or greenspace as provided by

312 a local government comprehensive plan developed pursuant to s.

313 163.3177.

314 (32) “Low-density municipality” means a municipality

315 existing on or before January 1, 2025, which is less than 2,500

316 acres in total size and contains a population of 5,000 or fewer

317 legal residents.

318 Section 3. Present subsection (7) of section 163.3202,

319 Florida Statutes, is redesignated as subsection (8), and a new

320 subsection (7) is added to that section, to read:

321 163.3202 Land development regulations.—

322 (7)(a) Notwithstanding any ordinance to the contrary, an

323 application for a development on an ecologically significant

324 parcel in a low-density municipality may not be administratively

325 approved without an attestation provided by the developer, under

326 penalty of perjury, to the low-density municipality which states

327 that the development will not exceed a maximum density of 1

328 residential unit per 20 acres.

329 (b) This subsection does not apply to applications for the

330 construction of residential units on an ecologically significant

331 parcel for the express purpose of providing housing for family

332 members of the applicant. However, the applicant must provide an

333 attestation, under penalty of perjury, to the low-density

334 municipality which states that the residential units being

335 constructed will be used for such express purpose before the

336 administrative approval of an application for development.

337 (c) The density requirements provided in this subsection

338 may be waived upon a resolution approved by a unanimous vote of

339 the commission or council of the low-density municipality.

340 Section 4. Section 166.063, Florida Statutes, is created to

341 read:

342 166.063 Preemption of restrictions on gasoline-powered farm

343 equipment or gasoline-powered landscape equipment.—

344 (1) As used in this section, the term:

345 (a) “Gasoline-powered farm equipment” means a machine

346 powered by an internal combustion engine or motor that uses

347 gasoline, diesel, or a blend of gasoline and oil which is used

348 on a farm or used to transport farm products.

349 (b) “Gasoline-powered landscape equipment” means any

350 machine powered by an internal combustion engine or motor that

351 uses gasoline, diesel, or a blend of gasoline and oil which is

352 used to provide landscape management or maintenance or to move

353 leaves, dirt, grass, or other debris off of sidewalks,

354 driveways, lawns, or other surfaces.

355 (2) A municipality may not enact or enforce a resolution,

356 an ordinance, a rule, a code, or a policy or take any action

357 that restricts or prohibits the use of gasoline-powered farm

358 equipment or gasoline-powered landscape equipment and may not

359 create differing standards for such equipment or distinguish

360 such equipment from any electric or similar equipment in a

361 retail, manufacturer, or distributor setting.

362 (3) This section does not prohibit or limit a municipality

363 from encouraging the use of alternative farm or landscape

364 equipment, such as battery-powered farm or landscape equipment.

365 Section 5. Paragraph (d) of subsection (2) of section

366 212.055, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

367 212.055 Discretionary sales surtaxes; legislative intent;

368 authorization and use of proceeds.—It is the legislative intent

369 that any authorization for imposition of a discretionary sales

370 surtax shall be published in the Florida Statutes as a

371 subsection of this section, irrespective of the duration of the

372 levy. Each enactment shall specify the types of counties

373 authorized to levy; the rate or rates which may be imposed; the

374 maximum length of time the surtax may be imposed, if any; the

375 procedure which must be followed to secure voter approval, if

376 required; the purpose for which the proceeds may be expended;

377 and such other requirements as the Legislature may provide.

378 Taxable transactions and administrative procedures shall be as

379 provided in s. 212.054.

380 (2) LOCAL GOVERNMENT INFRASTRUCTURE SURTAX.—

381 (d) The proceeds of the surtax authorized by this

382 subsection and any accrued interest shall be expended by the

383 school district, within the county and municipalities within the

384 county, or, in the case of a negotiated joint county agreement,

385 within another county, to finance, plan, and construct

386 infrastructure; to acquire any interest in land for public

387 recreation, conservation, or protection of natural resources or

388 to prevent or satisfy private property rights claims resulting

389 from limitations imposed by the designation of an area of

390 critical state concern; to provide loans, grants, or rebates to

391 residential or commercial property owners who make energy

392 efficiency improvements to their residential or commercial

393 property, if a local government ordinance authorizing such use

394 is approved by referendum; or to finance the closure of county

395 owned or municipally owned solid waste landfills that have been

396 closed or are required to be closed by order of the Department

397 of Environmental Protection. Any use of the proceeds or interest

398 for purposes of landfill closure before July 1, 1993, is

399 ratified. The proceeds and any interest may not be used for the

400 operational expenses of infrastructure, except that a county

401 that has a population of fewer than 75,000 and that is required

402 to close a landfill may use the proceeds or interest for long

403 term maintenance costs associated with landfill closure.

404 Counties, as defined in s. 125.011, and charter counties may, in

405 addition, use the proceeds or interest to retire or service

406 indebtedness incurred for bonds issued before July 1, 1987, for

407 infrastructure purposes, and for bonds subsequently issued to

408 refund such bonds. Any use of the proceeds or interest for

409 purposes of retiring or servicing indebtedness incurred for

410 refunding bonds before July 1, 1999, is ratified.

411 1. For the purposes of this paragraph, the term

412 “infrastructure” means:

413 a. Any fixed capital expenditure or fixed capital outlay

414 associated with the construction, reconstruction, or improvement

415 of public facilities that have a life expectancy of 5 or more

416 years, any related land acquisition, land improvement, design,

417 and engineering costs, and all other professional and related

418 costs required to bring the public facilities into service. For

419 purposes of this sub-subparagraph, the term “public facilities”

420 has the same meaning ~~means facilities~~ as ~~defined~~ in s.

421 163.3164(43) ~~s. 163.3164(41)~~ , s. 163.3221(13), or s. 189.012(5),

422 and includes facilities that are necessary to carry out

423 governmental purposes, including, but not limited to, fire

424 stations, general governmental office buildings, and animal

425 shelters, regardless of whether the facilities are owned by the

426 local taxing authority or another governmental entity.

427 b. A fire department vehicle, an emergency medical service

428 vehicle, a sheriff’s office vehicle, a police department

429 vehicle, or any other vehicle, and the equipment necessary to

430 outfit the vehicle for its official use or equipment that has a

431 life expectancy of at least 5 years.

432 c. Any expenditure for the construction, lease, or

433 maintenance of, or provision of utilities or security for,

434 facilities, as defined in s. 29.008.

435 d. Any fixed capital expenditure or fixed capital outlay

436 associated with the improvement of private facilities that have

437 a life expectancy of 5 or more years and that the owner agrees

438 to make available for use on a temporary basis as needed by a

439 local government as a public emergency shelter or a staging area

440 for emergency response equipment during an emergency officially

441 declared by the state or by the local government under s.

442 252.38. Such improvements are limited to those necessary to

443 comply with current standards for public emergency evacuation

444 shelters. The owner must enter into a written contract with the

445 local government providing the improvement funding to make the

446 private facility available to the public for purposes of

447 emergency shelter at no cost to the local government for a

448 minimum of 10 years after completion of the improvement, with

449 the provision that the obligation will transfer to any

450 subsequent owner until the end of the minimum period.

451 e. Any land acquisition expenditure for a residential

452 housing project in which at least 30 percent of the units are

453 affordable to individuals or families whose total annual

454 household income does not exceed 120 percent of the area median

455 income adjusted for household size, if the land is owned by a

456 local government or by a special district that enters into a

457 written agreement with the local government to provide such

458 housing. The local government or special district may enter into

459 a ground lease with a public or private person or entity for

460 nominal or other consideration for the construction of the

461 residential housing project on land acquired pursuant to this

462 sub-subparagraph.

463 f. Instructional technology used solely in a school

464 district’s classrooms. As used in this sub-subparagraph, the

465 term “instructional technology” means an interactive device that

466 assists a teacher in instructing a class or a group of students

467 and includes the necessary hardware and software to operate the

468 interactive device. The term also includes support systems in

469 which an interactive device may mount and is not required to be

470 affixed to the facilities.

471 2. For the purposes of this paragraph, the term “energy

472 efficiency improvement” means any energy conservation and

473 efficiency improvement that reduces consumption through

474 conservation or a more efficient use of electricity, natural

475 gas, propane, or other forms of energy on the property,

476 including, but not limited to, air sealing; installation of

477 insulation; installation of energy-efficient heating, cooling,

478 or ventilation systems; installation of solar panels; building

479 modifications to increase the use of daylight or shade;

480 replacement of windows; installation of energy controls or

481 energy recovery systems; installation of electric vehicle

482 charging equipment; installation of systems for natural gas fuel

483 as defined in s. 206.9951; and installation of efficient

484 lighting equipment.

485 3. Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection,

486 a local government infrastructure surtax imposed or extended

487 after July 1, 1998, may allocate up to 15 percent of the surtax

488 proceeds for deposit into a trust fund within the county’s

489 accounts created for the purpose of funding economic development

490 projects having a general public purpose of improving local

491 economies, including the funding of operational costs and

492 incentives related to economic development. The ballot statement

493 must indicate the intention to make an allocation under the

494 authority of this subparagraph.

495 4. Surtax revenues that are shared with eligible charter

496 schools pursuant to paragraph (c) shall be allocated among such

497 schools based on each school’s proportionate share of total

498 school district capital outlay full-time equivalent enrollment

499 as adopted by the education estimating conference established in

500 s. 216.136. Surtax revenues must be expended by the charter

501 school in a manner consistent with the allowable uses provided

502 in s. 1013.62(4). All revenues and expenditures shall be

503 accounted for in a charter school’s monthly or quarterly

504 financial statement pursuant to s. 1002.33(9). If a school’s

505 charter is not renewed or is terminated and the school is

506 dissolved under the provisions of law under which the school was

507 organized, any unencumbered funds received under this paragraph

508 shall revert to the sponsor.

509 Section 6. Present subsection (19) of section 253.0341,

510 Florida Statutes, is redesignated as subsection (21), and new

511 subsection (19) and subsection (20) are added to that section,

512 to read:

513 253.0341 Surplus of state-owned lands.—

514 (19) The Acquisition and Restoration Council shall

515 determine whether any lands surplused by a local governmental

516 entity, as defined in s. 218.72, on or after January 1, 2024,

517 are suitable for bona fide agricultural purposes, as defined in

518 s. 193.461(3)(b). A local governmental entity may not transfer

519 future development rights for any surplused lands determined to

520 be suitable for bona fide agricultural purposes on or after

521 January 1, 2024.

522 (20) The Department of Environmental Protection, in

523 coordination with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer

524 Services, shall determine whether any state-owned conservation

525 lands acquired on or after January 1, 2024, are suitable for

526 bona fide agricultural purposes, as defined in s. 193.461(3)(b).

527 (a) Notwithstanding any other law or rule, the Department

528 of Environmental Protection may surplus state-owned conservation

529 lands acquired on or after January 1, 2024, determined to be

530 suitable for bona fide agricultural purposes.

531 (b) For all state-owned conservation lands determined to be

532 suitable for bona fide agricultural production and surplused by

533 the Department of Environmental Protection, the department shall

534 retain a rural-lands-protection easement pursuant to s.

535 570.71(3). All proceeds from the sale of such surplused lands

536 must be deposited into the Incidental Trust Fund within the

537 Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for less than

538 fee simple land acquisition pursuant to ss. 570.71 and 570.715.

539 (c) By January 1, 2027, and each January 1 thereafter, the

540 Department of Environmental Protection shall provide a report of

541 state-owned conservation lands surplused pursuant to this

542 subsection to the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement

543 Trust Fund.

544 (d) Designated state forest lands, state park lands,

545 wildlife management areas, or lands within the boundaries of the

546 federally authorized and approved Comprehensive Everglades

547 Restoration Plan may not be surplused pursuant to this

548 subsection.

549 Section 7. Section 259.1053, Florida Statutes, is amended

550 to read:

551 259.1053 Babcock Ranch Preserve ~~; Babcock Ranch Advisory~~

552 ~~Group~~ .—

553 (1) SHORT TITLE.—This section may be cited as the “Babcock

554 Ranch Preserve Act.”

555 (2) DEFINITIONS.—As used in this section, the term:

556 (a) “Babcock Ranch Preserve” and “preserve” mean the lands

557 and facilities acquired in the purchase of the Babcock Crescent

558 B Ranch, as provided in s. 259.1052.

559 (b) “Commission” means the Fish and Wildlife Conservation

560 Commission.

561 (c) “Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Agriculture.

562 (d) “Department” means the Department of Agriculture and

563 Consumer Services.

564 (e) “Executive director” means the Executive Director of

565 the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

566 (f) “Financially self-sustaining” means having management

567 and operation expenditures not more than the revenues collected

568 from fees and other receipts for resource use and development

569 and from interest and invested funds.

570 (g) “Florida Forest Service” means the Florida Forest

571 Service of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

572 (h) “Multiple use” means the management of all of the

573 renewable surface resources of the Babcock Ranch Preserve to

574 best meet the needs of the public, including the use of the land

575 for some or all of the renewable surface resources or related

576 services over areas large enough to allow for periodic

577 adjustments in use to conform to the changing needs and

578 conditions of the preserve while recognizing that a portion of

579 the land will be used for some of the renewable surface

580 resources available on that land. The goal of multiple use is

581 the harmonious and coordinated management of the renewable

582 surface resources without impairing the productivity of the land

583 and considering the relative value of the renewable surface

584 resources, and not necessarily a combination of uses to provide

585 the greatest monetary return or the greatest unit output.

586 (i) “Sustained yield of the renewable surface resources”

587 means the achievement and maintenance of a high level of annual

588 or regular periodic output of the various renewable surface

589 resources of the preserve without impairing the productivity of

590 the land.

591 (3) CREATION OF BABCOCK RANCH PRESERVE.—

592 (a) Upon the date of acquisition of the Babcock Crescent B

593 Ranch, there is created the Babcock Ranch Preserve, which shall

594 be managed in accordance with the purposes and requirements of

595 this section.

596 (b) The preserve is established to protect and preserve the

597 environmental, agricultural, scientific, scenic, geologic,

598 watershed, fish, wildlife, historic, cultural, and recreational

599 values of the preserve, and to provide for the multiple use and

600 sustained yield of the renewable surface resources within the

601 preserve consistent with this section.

602 (c) This section does not preclude the use of common

603 varieties of mineral materials such as sand, stone, and gravel

604 for construction and maintenance of roads and facilities within

605 the preserve.

606 (d) This section does not affect the constitutional

607 responsibilities of the commission in the exercise of its

608 regulatory and executive power with respect to wild animal life

609 and freshwater aquatic life, including the regulation of

610 hunting, fishing, and trapping within the preserve.

611 (e) This section does not interfere with or prevent the

612 implementation of agricultural practices authorized by the

613 agricultural land use designations established in the local

614 comprehensive plans of either Charlotte County or Lee County as

615 those plans apply to the Babcock Ranch Preserve.

616 (f) This section does not preclude the maintenance and use

617 of roads and trails or the relocation of roads in existence on

618 the effective date of this section, or the construction,

619 maintenance, and use of new trails, or any motorized access

620 necessary for the administration of the land contained within

621 the preserve, including motorized access necessary for

622 emergencies involving the health or safety of persons within the

623 preserve.

624 ~~(4) BABCOCK RANCH ADVISORY GROUP.—~~

625 ~~(a) The purpose of the Babcock Ranch Advisory Group is to~~

626 ~~assist the department by providing guidance and advice~~

627 ~~concerning the management and stewardship of the Babcock Ranch~~

628 ~~Preserve.~~

629 ~~(b) The Babcock Ranch Advisory Group shall be comprised of~~

630 ~~nine members appointed to 5-year terms. Based on recommendations~~

631 ~~from the Governor and Cabinet, the commission, and the governing~~

632 ~~boards of Charlotte County and Lee County, the commissioner~~

633 ~~shall appoint members as follows:~~

634 ~~1. One member with experience in sustainable management of~~

635 ~~forest lands for commodity purposes.~~

636 ~~2. One member with experience in financial management,~~

637 ~~budget and program analysis, and small business operations.~~

638 ~~3. One member with experience in management of game and~~

639 ~~nongame wildlife and fish populations, including hunting,~~

640 ~~fishing, and other recreational activities.~~

641 ~~4. One member with experience in domesticated livestock~~

642 ~~management, production, and marketing, including range~~

643 ~~management and livestock business management.~~

644 ~~5. One member with experience in agriculture operations or~~

645 ~~forestry management.~~

646 ~~6. One member with experience in hunting, fishing, nongame~~

647 ~~species management, or wildlife habitat management, restoration,~~

648 ~~and conservation.~~

649 ~~7. One member with experience in public outreach and~~

650 ~~education.~~

651 ~~8. One member who is a resident of Lee County, to be~~

652 ~~designated by the Board of County Commissioners of Lee County.~~

653 ~~9. One member who is a resident of Charlotte County, to be~~

654 ~~designated by the Board of County Commissioners of Charlotte~~

655 ~~County.~~

657 ~~Vacancies will be filled in the same manner in which the~~

658 ~~original appointment was made. A member appointed to fill a~~

659 ~~vacancy shall serve for the remainder of that term.~~

660 ~~(c) Members of the Babcock Ranch Advisory Group shall:~~

661 ~~1. Elect a chair and vice chair from among the group~~

662 ~~members.~~

663 ~~2. Meet regularly as determined by the chair.~~

664 ~~3. Serve without compensation but shall receive~~

665 ~~reimbursement for travel and per diem expenses as provided in s.~~

666 ~~112.061.~~

667 (4) ~~(5)~~ MANAGEMENT OF PRESERVE; FEES.—

668 (a) The department shall assume all authority provided by

669 this section to manage and operate the preserve as a working

670 ranch upon the termination or expiration of the management

671 agreement attached as Exhibit “E” to that certain agreement for

672 sale and purchase approved by the Board of Trustees of the

673 Internal Improvement Trust Fund on November 22, 2005, and by Lee

674 County on November 20, 2005.

675 (b) Upon assuming management and operation of the preserve,

676 the department shall:

677 1. Manage and operate the preserve and the uses thereof,

678 including, but not limited to, the activities necessary to

679 administer and operate the preserve as a working ranch; the

680 activities necessary for the preservation and development of the

681 land and renewable surface resources of the preserve; the

682 activities necessary for interpretation of the history of the

683 preserve on behalf of the public; the activities necessary for

684 the management, public use, and occupancy of facilities and

685 lands within the preserve; and the maintenance, rehabilitation,

686 repair, and improvement of property within the preserve.

687 2. Develop programs and activities relating to the

688 management of the preserve as a working ranch.

689 3. Establish procedures for entering into lease agreements

690 and other agreements for the use and occupancy of the facilities

691 of the preserve. The procedures shall ensure reasonable

692 competition and set guidelines for determining reasonable fees,

693 terms, and conditions for such agreements.

694 4. Assess reasonable fees for admission to, use of, and

695 occupancy of the preserve to offset costs of operating the

696 preserve as a working ranch. These fees are independent of fees

697 assessed by the commission for the privilege of hunting,

698 fishing, or pursuing outdoor recreational activities within the

699 preserve, and shall be deposited into the Incidental Trust Fund

700 of the Florida Forest Service, subject to appropriation by the

701 Legislature.

702 (c) The commission, in cooperation with the department,

703 shall:

704 1. Establish and implement public hunting and other fish

705 and wildlife management activities. Tier I and Tier II public

706 hunting opportunities shall be provided consistent with the

707 management plan and the recreation master plan. Tier I public

708 hunting shall provide hunting opportunities similar to those

709 offered on wildlife management areas with an emphasis on youth

710 and family-oriented hunts. Tier II public hunting shall be

711 provided specifically by fee-based permitting to ensure

712 compatibility with livestock grazing and other essential

713 agricultural operations on the preserve.

714 2. Establish and administer permit fees for Tier II public

715 hunting to capitalize on the value of hunting on portions of the

716 preserve and to help ensure the preserve is financially self

717 sufficient. The fees shall be deposited into the State Game

718 Trust Fund of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to

719 be used to offset the costs of providing public hunting and to

720 support fish and wildlife management and other land management

721 activities on the preserve.

722 (d) The Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust

723 Fund or its designated agent may:

724 1. Negotiate directly with and enter into such agreements,

725 leases, contracts, and other arrangements with any person, firm,

726 association, organization, corporation, or governmental entity,

727 including entities of federal, state, and local governments, as

728 are necessary and appropriate to carry out the purposes and

729 activities authorized by this section.

730 2. Grant privileges, leases, concessions, and permits for

731 the use of land for the accommodation of visitors to the

732 preserve, provided no natural curiosities or objects of interest

733 shall be granted, leased, or rented on such terms as shall deny

734 or interfere with free access to them by the public. Such

735 grants, leases, and permits may be made and given without

736 advertisement or securing competitive bids. Such grants, leases,

737 or permits may not be assigned or transferred by any grantee

738 without consent of the Board of Trustees of the Internal

739 Improvement Trust Fund or its designated agent.

740 (5) ~~(6)~~ DISSOLUTION OF BABCOCK RANCH, INC.—Upon dissolution

741 of the Babcock Ranch, Inc., all statutory powers, duties,

742 functions, records, personnel, property, and unexpended balances

743 of appropriations, allocations, and other funds of the

744 corporation shall be transferred to the Department of

745 Agriculture and Consumer Services unless otherwise provided by

746 law. Any cash balances of funds shall revert to the Incidental

747 Trust Fund of the Florida Forest Service.

748 Section 8. Paragraph (a) of subsection (2) of section

749 287.1351, Florida Statutes, is amended, and subsection (3) of

750 that section is republished, to read:

751 287.1351 Suspended vendors; state contracts.—

752 (2)(a) A vendor that is in default on any contract with an

753 agency , has failed to timely compensate its subcontractors or

754 suppliers, or has otherwise repeatedly demonstrated a recent

755 inability to fulfill the terms and conditions of previous state

756 contracts or to adequately perform its duties under those

757 contracts may not submit a bid, proposal, or reply to an agency

758 or enter into or renew a contract to provide any goods or

759 services to an agency after its placement, pursuant to this

760 section, on the suspended vendor list.

761 (3) An agency shall notify the department of any vendor

762 that has met the grounds for suspension described in paragraph

763 (2)(a). The agency must provide documentation to the department

764 evidencing the vendor’s default or other grounds for suspension.

765 The department shall review the documentation provided and

766 determine whether good cause exists to remove the vendor from

767 the vendor list and to place it on the suspended vendor list. If

768 good cause exists, the department must notify the vendor in

769 writing of its intent to remove the vendor from the vendor list

770 and of the vendor’s right to an administrative hearing and the

771 applicable procedures and time requirements for any such

772 hearing. If the vendor does not request an administrative

773 hearing, the department must enter a final order removing the

774 vendor from the vendor list. A vendor may not be removed from

775 the vendor list without receiving an individual notice of intent

776 from the department.

777 Section 9. Paragraph (c) is added to subsection (4) of

778 section 322.12, Florida Statutes, to read:

779 322.12 Examination of applicants.—

780 (4) The examination for an applicant for a commercial

781 driver license shall include a test of the applicant’s eyesight

782 given by a driver license examiner designated by the department

783 or by a licensed ophthalmologist, optometrist, or physician and

784 a test of the applicant’s hearing given by a driver license

785 examiner or a licensed physician. The examination shall also

786 include a test of the applicant’s ability to read and understand

787 highway signs regulating, warning, and directing traffic; his or

788 her knowledge of the traffic laws of this state pertaining to

789 the class of motor vehicle which he or she is applying to be

790 licensed to operate, including laws regulating driving under the

791 influence of alcohol or controlled substances, driving with an

792 unlawful blood-alcohol level, and driving while intoxicated; his

793 or her knowledge of the effects of alcohol and controlled

794 substances and the dangers of driving a motor vehicle after

795 having consumed alcohol or controlled substances; and his or her

796 knowledge of any special skills, requirements, or precautions

797 necessary for the safe operation of the class of vehicle which

798 he or she is applying to be licensed to operate. In addition,

799 the examination shall include an actual demonstration of the

800 applicant’s ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control

801 in the safe operation of a motor vehicle or combination of

802 vehicles of the type covered by the license classification which

803 the applicant is seeking, including an examination of the

804 applicant’s ability to perform an inspection of his or her

805 vehicle.

806 (c) An applicant for a commercial driver license who

807 receives unauthorized assistance from another person in

808 completing the portion of the examination which tests the

809 applicant’s ability to read and understand highway signs

810 regulating, warning, and directing traffic or his or her

811 knowledge of the traffic laws of this state pertaining to the

812 class of motor vehicle for which he or she is applying to be

813 licensed to operate, including laws regulating driving under the

814 influence of alcohol or controlled substances, driving with an

815 unlawful blood-alcohol level, and driving while intoxicated,

816 commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as

817 provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

818 Section 10. Section 322.36, Florida Statutes, is amended to

819 read:

820 322.36 Permitting unauthorized operator to drive.—

821 (1) A person may not authorize or knowingly permit a motor

822 vehicle owned by him or her or under his or her dominion or

823 control to be operated upon any highway or public street except

824 by a person who is duly authorized to operate a motor vehicle

825 under this chapter.

826 (2) A person may not knowingly or willfully provide

827 unauthorized assistance to an applicant for the examination

828 required to hold a commercial driver license pursuant to s.

829 322.12(4).

830 (3) A ~~Any~~ person who violates this section commits a

831 misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s.

832 775.082 or s. 775.083. If a person violates this section by

833 knowingly loaning a vehicle to a person whose driver license is

834 suspended and if that vehicle is involved in an accident

835 resulting in bodily injury or death, the driver license of the

836 person violating this section must ~~shall~~ be suspended for 1

837 year.

838 Section 11. Section 377.71, Florida Statutes, is repealed.

839 Section 12. Section 377.711, Florida Statutes, is repealed.

840 Section 13. Section 377.712, Florida Statutes, is repealed.

841 Section 14. Present paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection

842 (3) of section 403.0855, Florida Statutes, are redesignated as

843 paragraphs (b) and (c), respectively, a new paragraph (a) is

844 added to that subsection, and subsections (2) and (4) of that

845 section are amended, to read:

846 403.0855 Biosolids management.—

847 (2) The department shall adopt rules for biosolids

848 management. ~~Rules adopted by the department pursuant to this~~

849 ~~section may not take effect until ratified by the Legislature.~~

850 (3) For a new land application site permit or a permit

851 renewal issued after July 1, 2020, the permittee of a biosolids

852 land application site shall:

853 (a) Ensure that only Class AA biosolids are applied to the

854 soil.

855 (4) (a) All permits shall comply with the requirements of

856 paragraph (3)(a) ~~subsection (3)~~ by July 1, 2028 ~~2022~~ .

857 (b) Local governments that do not transport biosolids for

858 land application outside of their respective county boundaries

859 shall comply with the requirements of paragraph (3)(a) by July

860 1, 2031. This paragraph may not be construed to prohibit the

861 transportation of Class B biosolids by a local government

862 outside of its boundaries to a Class AA biosolids treatment

863 facility or waste-to-energy facility located within the

864 boundaries of another local government.

865 Section 15. Present subsection (5) of section 482.071,

866 Florida Statutes, is redesignated as subsection (6), and a new

867 subsection (5) is added to that section, to read:

868 482.071 Licenses.—

869 (5) Each person applying for a pest control business

870 license or renewal thereof who will offer and perform

871 fumigations as a part of his or her regular business operations

872 must furnish to the department a certificate of insurance that

873 meets the requirement for minimum financial responsibility for

874 bodily injury and property damage, consisting of:

875 (a) Bodily injury coverage of $1 million per person and $2

876 million per occurrence; and property damage coverage of $1

877 million per occurrence and $2 million in the aggregate; or

878 (b) Combined single-limit coverage of $2 million in the

879 aggregate.

880 Section 16. Subsection (7) of section 482.161, Florida

881 Statutes, is amended to read:

882 482.161 Disciplinary grounds and actions; reinstatement.—

883 (7) The department, pursuant to chapter 120, in addition to

884 or in lieu of any other remedy provided by state or local law,

885 may impose an administrative fine in the Class III II category

886 pursuant to s. 570.971 for a violation of this chapter or of the

887 rules adopted pursuant to this chapter. In determining the

888 amount of fine to be levied for a violation, the following

889 factors shall be considered:

890 (a) The severity of the violation, including the

891 probability that the death, or serious harm to the health or

892 safety, of any person will result or has resulted; the severity

893 of the actual or potential harm; and the extent to which this

894 chapter or the rules adopted pursuant to this chapter were

895 violated;

896 (b) Any actions taken by the licensee or certified operator

897 in charge, or limited certificateholder, to correct the

898 violation or to remedy complaints;

899 (c) Any previous violations of this chapter or of the rules

900 adopted pursuant to this chapter; and

901 (d) The cost to the department of investigating the

902 violation.

903 Section 17. Subsections (3) and (5) of section 482.165,

904 Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

905 482.165 Unlicensed practice of pest control; cease and

906 desist order; injunction; civil suit and penalty.—

907 (3) In addition to or in lieu of any remedy provided under

908 subsection (2), the department may institute a civil suit in

909 circuit court to recover a civil penalty for any violation for

910 which the department may issue a notice to cease and desist

911 under subsection (2). The civil penalty shall be in the Class

912 III II category pursuant to s. 570.971 for each offense. The

913 court may also award to the prevailing party court costs and

914 reasonable attorney fees.

915 (5) In addition to or in lieu of any remedy provided under

916 subsections (2) and (3), the department may, even in the case of

917 a first offense, impose a fine not less than twice the cost of a

918 pest control business license, but not more than a fine in the

919 Class III II category pursuant to s. 570.971, upon a

920 determination by the department that a person is in violation of

921 subsection (1). For the purposes of this subsection, the lapse

922 of a previously issued license for a period of less than 1 year

923 is not considered a violation.

924 Section 18. Subsections (20) and (21) are added to section

925 489.105, Florida Statutes, to read:

926 489.105 Definitions.—As used in this part:

927 (20) “Subcontractor” has the same meaning as in s. 558.002.

928 (21) “Supplier” has the same meaning as in s. 558.002.

929 Section 19. Section 489.1295, Florida Statutes, is created

930 to read:

931 489.1295 Prohibition against nonpayment.—

932 (1) A licensed contractor must compensate a subcontractor

933 or supplier, unless there is a bona fide dispute regarding the

934 amount due, if any, for services, labor, or materials:

935 (a) Within 45 days after receiving payment for the services

936 performed or materials supplied by the subcontractor or

937 supplier; or

938 (b) In accordance with the terms of the contract for such

939 services, labor, or materials.

940 (2) A licensed contractor who knowingly or willfully

941 violates this section is subject to disciplinary proceedings as

942 provided in s. 489.129.

943 Section 20. Subsection (6) of section 500.04, Florida

944 Statutes, is amended to read:

945 500.04 Prohibited acts.—The following acts and the causing

946 thereof within the state are prohibited:

947 (6) The obstruction of or refusal to permit entry or

948 inspection, or to permit the taking of a sample, as authorized

949 by s. 500.147.

950 Section 21. Section 500.81, Florida Statutes, is repealed.

951 Section 22. Subsection (5) of section 500.93, Florida

952 Statutes, is amended to read:

953 500.93 Mislabeling of plant-based products as milk, meat,

954 or poultry.—

955 (5) The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

956 shall notify the Division of Law Revision upon the enactment

957 into law by any 11 of the group of 14 states composed of

958 Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana,

959 Maryland, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee,

960 Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia of the mandatory labeling

961 requirements pursuant to paragraphs (2)(a), (3)(a), and (4)(a)

962 ~~subsections (2) and (3)~~ .

963 Section 23. Section 501.013, Florida Statutes, is amended

964 to read:

965 501.013 Health studios; exemptions.—

966 (1) The following businesses or activities may be declared

967 exempt from ~~the provisions of~~ ss. 501.012-501.019 upon the

968 filing of an affidavit with the department establishing that the

969 stated qualifications are met:

970 (a) ~~(1)~~ A bona fide nonprofit organization which has been

971 granted tax-exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service.

972 (b) ~~(2)~~ A gymnastics school which engages only in

973 instruction and training and in which exercise is only

974 incidental to such instruction and training.

975 (c) ~~(3)~~ A golf, tennis, or racquetball club in which sports

976 play is the only activity offered by the club. If the facility

977 offers the use of physical exercise equipment, this exemption

978 shall not apply.

979 (d) ~~(4)~~ A program or facility which is offered and used

980 solely for the purpose of dance, aerobic exercise, or martial

981 arts, and which utilizes no physical exercise equipment.

982 (e) ~~(5)~~ A country club that has as its primary function the

983 provision of a social life and recreational amenities to its

984 members, and for which a program of physical exercise is merely

985 incidental to membership. As used in this paragraph ~~subsection~~ ,

986 the term “country club” means a facility that offers its members

987 a variety of services that may include, but need not be limited

988 to, social activities; dining, banquet, catering, and lounge

989 facilities; swimming; yachting; golf; tennis; card games such as

990 bridge and canasta; and special programs for members’ children.

991 Upon the filing of an affidavit with the department establishing

992 that the stated qualifications of this paragraph ~~subsection~~ were

993 met before July 1, 1997, this paragraph ~~subsection~~ will apply

994 retroactively to the date that the country club met these

995 qualifications.

996 (f) ~~(6)~~ A program or facility that is offered by an

997 organization for the exclusive use of its employees and their

998 family members.

999 (2) In addition to the businesses and activities listed in

1000 subsection (1), the department may exempt any other business or

1001 activity not in existence as of July 1, 2026, from ss. 501.012

1002 501.019.

1003 Section 24. Section 501.062, Florida Statutes, is created

1004 to read:

1005 501.062 Unauthorized commercial solicitation; legislative

1006 intent; definitions; prohibited acts; penalties.—

1007 (1) LEGISLATIVE INTENT.—It is the intent of the Legislature

1008 to protect, preserve, and promote the safety, welfare, and peace

1009 of the citizens of this state by adopting measures to reduce the

1010 threat to private property rights, including the right to

1011 exclude and to be free from trespass of unauthorized commercial

1012 solicitation on private property when noticed by the property

1013 owner. It is the intent of this section to protect such private

1014 property rights by creating a uniform standard for notifying

1015 individuals or groups of individuals that commercial

1016 solicitation is prohibited on private property.

1017 (2) DEFINITIONS.—As used in this section, the term:

1018 (a) “Commercial solicitation” means the act of attempting

1019 to sell goods or services, or to raise funds for a commercial

1020 purpose, through direct or indirect contact with individuals,

1021 including, but not limited to, using words, body gestures, or

1022 signs, on behalf of a business or commercial entity.

1023 (b) “Dwelling” has the same meaning as in s. 810.011(2).

1024 (3) PROHIBITED ACTS.—A person may not engage in commercial

1025 solicitation on any dwelling that clearly and prominently

1026 displays a sign that is no less than 8.5 by 11 inches, is

1027 visible to any person approaching the dwelling, and clearly

1028 displays a statement which identifies the dwelling as private

1029 property on which commercial solicitation is prohibited, in

1030 substantially the following manner with letters at least 1 inch

1031 in height:

1033 THIS DWELLING IS DESIGNATED PRIVATE PROPERTY. NO

1034 COMMERCIAL SOLICITATION IS PERMITTED PURSUANT TO

1035 SECTION 501.062, FLORIDA STATUTES.

1037 (4) PENALTIES.—A person who violates subsection (3) commits

1038 a noncriminal violation, punishable as provided in s. 775.083. A

1039 person who commits a second or subsequent violation commits a

1040 misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s.

1041 775.082 or s. 775.083.

1042 Section 25. Subsection (50) is added to section 570.07,

1043 Florida Statutes, to read:

1044 570.07 Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services;

1045 functions, powers, and duties.—The department shall have and

1046 exercise the following functions, powers, and duties:

1047 (50) Notwithstanding s. 20.04(7), to reorganize

1048 departmental units upon the approval of the commissioner.

1049 Section 26. Paragraph (c) is added to subsection (3) of

1050 section 570.822, Florida Statutes, to read:

1051 570.822 Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Emergency

1052 Recovery Loan Program.—

1053 (3) ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS.—To be eligible for the program, an

1054 applicant must:

1055 (c) Be a United States citizen and a legal resident of this

1056 state before or on the date of the declared emergency. If the

1057 applicant is an entity as defined in s. 605.0102, the entity

1058 must be wholly owned and operated in the United States and

1059 possess an active certificate of status issued by the Department

1060 of State pursuant to chapter 605.

1061 Section 27. Section 570.832, Florida Statutes, is created

1062 to read:

1063 570.832 Florida Native Seed Research and Marketing

1064 Program.—The Florida Wildflower Foundation, Inc., in

1065 coordination with the department, shall, subject to

1066 appropriation, establish the Florida Native Seed Research and

1067 Marketing Program to conduct research designed to expand the

1068 availability and uses of native seeds and strengthen the market

1069 position of this state’s native seed industry through marketing

1070 campaigns and promotions in this state and across the nation.

1071 Section 28. Section 570.846, Florida Statutes, is created

1072 to read:

1073 570.846 Florida Food Animal and Equine Veterinary Medicine

1074 Loan Repayment Program.—

1075 (1) PURPOSE.—To encourage specialized and qualified

1076 veterinary professionals to practice in this state, to retain

1077 the employment of such professionals in this state, and to

1078 promote the care and treatment of food animals and equine

1079 animals, there is established the Florida Food Animal and Equine

1080 Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program. The purpose of the

1081 program is to authorize the department to make payments that

1082 offset loans incurred, for up to three new eligible candidates

1083 annually, for studies leading to a veterinary degree with a

1084 specialization in food animal or equine veterinary medicine.

1085 (2) DEFINITIONS.—As used in this section, the term:

1086 (a) “Equine” means a species of animal belonging to the

1087 taxonomic family equidae, which includes horses and donkeys.

1088 (b) “Food animal” means a species of animal raised for the

1089 human food supply. Food animals include cattle, swine, sheep,

1090 goat, poultry, aquaculture, and apiary species.

1091 (c) “Food animal and equine animal veterinary medicine”

1092 means a veterinary medical practice that encompasses medical

1093 care, disease prevention, and consultation on the feeding,

1094 housing, and overall flock, herd, or equine health management.

1095 (d) “Food animal or equine veterinarian” means a

1096 veterinarian working in food and equine animal veterinary

1097 medicine who focuses on the management and health of such

1098 animals and who spends a minimum of 20 hours per week on food

1099 animal species or equine animal species care and treatment.

1100 (3) ELIGIBILITY.—To be eligible for the program, a

1101 candidate must have graduated from an American Veterinary

1102 Medical Association-accredited college of veterinary medicine,

1103 have received a Florida veterinary medical license, have

1104 obtained a Category II Accreditation from the United States

1105 Department of Agriculture, and be a practicing food animal or

1106 equine animal veterinarian in this state.

1107 (4) FUNDING.—Subject to legislative appropriation, the

1108 department may make loan principal repayments of up to $25,000

1109 per eligible candidate per year. Loan principal repayments may

1110 be made on behalf of each eligible candidate each year for up to

1111 5 years. The department may select up to three new eligible

1112 candidates each year. All repayments are contingent upon

1113 continued proof of employment in this state as a practicing food

1114 animal or equine animal veterinarian.

1115 (5) DUPLICATION OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.—An eligible

1116 candidate receiving financial assistance from the federal

1117 veterinary medicine loan repayment program as established in 7

1118 U.S.C. part 3151a is ineligible to receive financial assistance

1119 from the program under this section.

1120 (6) RULEMAKING.—The department may adopt any rule necessary

1121 for the administration of the program.

1122 Section 29. Subsection (1) of section 570.85, Florida

1123 Statutes, is amended to read:

1124 570.85 Agritourism.—

1125 (1) It is the intent of the Legislature to promote

1126 agritourism as a way to support bona fide agricultural

1127 production by providing a stream of revenue and by educating the

1128 general public about the agricultural industry. It is also the

1129 intent of the Legislature to eliminate duplication of regulatory

1130 authority over agritourism as expressed in this section. Except

1131 as otherwise provided for in this section, and notwithstanding

1132 any other law, a local government may not adopt or enforce a

1133 local ordinance, regulation, rule, or policy that prohibits,

1134 restricts, regulates, or otherwise limits an agritourism

1135 activity on land classified as agricultural land under s.

1136 193.461 , and may not require a property owner to obtain a rural

1137 event venue permit or license . This subsection does not limit

1138 the powers and duties of a local government to address

1139 substantial offsite impacts of agritourism activities or an

1140 emergency as provided in chapter 252.

1141 Section 30. Subsection (6) is added to section 570.86,

1142 Florida Statutes, to read:

1143 570.86 Definitions.—As used in ss. 570.85-570.89, the term:

1144 (6) “Rural event venue” means a venue located on property

1145 classified as agricultural pursuant to s. 193.461 and used for

1146 special functions, such as weddings, receptions, corporate

1147 meetings, or similar gatherings.

1148 Section 31. Subsection (7) of section 573.112, Florida

1149 Statutes, is amended to read:

1150 573.112 Advisory council.—

1151 (7) Notwithstanding any provision of this section, the

1152 Citrus Research and Field Trial ~~Development~~ Foundation, Inc., a

1153 direct-support organization of the Department of Agriculture and

1154 Consumer Services ~~University of Florida~~ established pursuant to

1155 s. 570.691 ~~s. 1004.28~~ , shall serve as the advisory council for a

1156 citrus research marketing order, provide the department with

1157 advice on administering the order, and, in accordance with the

1158 order, conduct citrus research and perform other duties assigned

1159 by the department. Notwithstanding s. 570.691 ~~s. 1004.28(3)~~ or

1160 any provision of this section, the foundation’s board of

1161 directors shall be composed of the Florida State Plant Health

1162 Inspection Service Director and, appointed by the Commissioner

1163 of Agriculture, 7 members who are ~~13 members, including 10~~

1164 citrus growers, ~~2 representatives of the university’s Institute~~

1165 ~~of Food and Agricultural Sciences,~~ and 1 member who is a Florida

1166 citrus nursery representative. Members of the board of directors

1167 shall serve without compensation but ~~appointed by the~~

1168 ~~Commissioner of Agriculture, who~~ are each entitled to

1169 reimbursement from the foundation for per diem and travel

1170 expenses as provided in s. 112.061.

1171 Section 32. Subsection (32) of section 581.031, Florida

1172 Statutes, is amended to read:

1173 581.031 Department; powers and duties.—The department has

1174 the following powers and duties:

1175 (32) To conduct or cause to be conducted research projects,

1176 including, but not limited to, citrus canker and citrus

1177 greening, which are recommended by the Citrus Research and Field

1178 Trial ~~Development~~ Foundation, Inc., within the limits of

1179 appropriations made specifically for such purpose.

1180 Section 33. Subsection (4) of section 583.01, Florida

1181 Statutes, is amended to read:

1182 583.01 Definitions.—For the purpose of this chapter, unless

1183 elsewhere indicated, the term:

1184 (4) “Dealer” means a person, firm, or corporation,

1185 including a producer, processor, retailer, or wholesaler, that

1186 sells, offers for sale, or holds for the purpose of sale in this

1187 state 30 dozen or more eggs or its equivalent in any one week,

1188 or more than 20,000 ~~384~~ dressed birds annually ~~in any one week~~ .

1189 Section 34. Section 590.02, Florida Statutes, is amended to

1190 read:

1191 590.02 Florida Forest Service; powers, authority, and

1192 duties; liability; building structures; Withlacoochee and Welaka

1193 Training Centers ~~Center~~ .—

1194 (1) The Florida Forest Service has the following powers,

1195 authority, and duties to:

1196 (a) Enforce the provisions of this chapter;

1197 (b) Prevent, detect, and suppress wildfires wherever they

1198 may occur on public or private land in this state and do all

1199 things necessary in the exercise of such powers, authority, and

1200 duties;

1201 (c) Provide firefighting crews, who shall be under the

1202 control and direction of the Florida Forest Service and its

1203 designated agents;

1204 (d) Appoint center managers, forest area supervisors,

1205 forestry program administrators, a forest protection bureau

1206 chief, a forest protection assistant bureau chief, a field

1207 operations bureau chief, deputy chiefs of field operations,

1208 district managers, forest operations administrators, senior

1209 forest rangers, investigators, forest rangers, firefighter

1210 rotorcraft pilots, and other employees who may, at the Florida

1211 Forest Service’s discretion, be certified as forestry

1212 firefighters pursuant to s. 633.408(8). Other law

1213 notwithstanding, center managers, district managers, forest

1214 protection assistant bureau chief, and deputy chiefs of field

1215 operations have Selected Exempt Service status in the state

1216 personnel designation;

1217 (e) Develop a training curriculum for wildland firefighters

1218 which must contain a minimum of 40 hours of structural

1219 firefighter training, a minimum of 40 hours of emergency medical

1220 training, and a minimum of 376 hours of wildfire training;

1221 (f) Pay the cost of the initial commercial driver license

1222 examination fee , and renewal for those employees whose position

1223 requires them to operate equipment requiring a license. This

1224 paragraph is intended to be an authorization to the department

1225 to pay such costs, not an obligation;

1226 (g) Provide fire management services and emergency response

1227 assistance and set and charge reasonable fees for performance of

1228 those services. Moneys collected from such fees shall be

1229 deposited into the Incidental Trust Fund of the Florida Forest

1230 Service;

1231 (h) Require all state, regional, and local government

1232 agencies operating aircraft in the vicinity of an ongoing

1233 wildfire to operate in compliance with the applicable state

1234 Wildfire Aviation Plan;

1235 (i) Authorize broadcast burning, prescribed burning, pile

1236 burning, and land clearing debris burning to carry out the

1237 duties of this chapter and the rules adopted thereunder; and

1238 (j) Make rules to accomplish the purposes of this chapter.

1239 (2) The Florida Forest Service’s employees, and the

1240 firefighting crews under their control and direction, may enter

1241 upon any lands for the purpose of preventing, detecting, and

1242 suppressing wildfires and investigating smoke complaints or open

1243 burning not in compliance with authorization and to enforce the

1244 provisions of this chapter.

1245 (3) Employees of the Florida Forest Service and of federal,

1246 state, and local agencies, and all other persons and entities

1247 that are under contract or agreement with the Florida Forest

1248 Service to assist in firefighting operations as well as those

1249 entities, called upon by the Florida Forest Service to assist in

1250 firefighting may, in the performance of their duties, set

1251 counterfires, remove fences and other obstacles, dig trenches,

1252 cut firelines, use water from public and private sources, and

1253 carry on all other customary activities in the fighting of

1254 wildfires without incurring liability to any person or entity.

1255 The manner in which the Florida Forest Service monitors a

1256 smoldering wildfire or smoldering prescribed fire or fights any

1257 wildfire are planning level activities for which sovereign

1258 immunity applies and is not waived.

1259 (4)(a) The department may build structures, notwithstanding

1260 chapters 216 and 255, not to exceed a cost of $50,000 per

1261 structure from existing resources on forest lands, federal

1262 excess property, and unneeded existing structures. These

1263 structures must meet all applicable building codes.

1264 (b) Notwithstanding s. 553.80(1), the department shall

1265 exclusively enforce the Florida Building Code as it pertains to

1266 wildfire, law enforcement, and other Florida Forest Service

1267 facilities under the jurisdiction of the department.

1268 (5) The Florida Forest Service shall organize its

1269 operational units to most effectively prevent, detect, and

1270 suppress wildfires, and to that end, may employ the necessary

1271 personnel to manage its activities in each unit. The Florida

1272 Forest Service may construct lookout towers, roads, bridges,

1273 firelines, and other facilities and may purchase or fabricate

1274 tools, supplies, and equipment for firefighting. The Florida

1275 Forest Service may reimburse the public and private entities

1276 that it engages to assist in the suppression of wildfires for

1277 their personnel and equipment, including aircraft.

1278 (6) The Florida Forest Service shall undertake

1279 privatization alternatives for fire prevention activities

1280 including constructing fire lines and conducting prescribed

1281 burns and, where appropriate, entering into agreements or

1282 contracts with the private sector to perform such activities.

1283 (7) The Florida Forest Service may organize, staff, equip,

1284 and operate the Withlacoochee and Welaka Training Centers

1285 ~~Center~~ . The centers ~~center~~ shall serve as sites ~~a site~~ where

1286 fire and forest resource managers can obtain current knowledge,

1287 techniques, skills, and theory as they relate to their

1288 respective disciplines , and the centers: .

1289 (a) ~~The center~~ May establish cooperative efforts involving

1290 federal, state, and local entities; hire appropriate personnel;

1291 and engage others by contract or agreement with or without

1292 compensation to assist in carrying out the training and

1293 operations of the centers ~~center~~ .

1294 (b) ~~The center~~ Shall provide wildfire suppression training

1295 opportunities for rural fire departments, volunteer fire

1296 departments, and other local fire response units.

1297 (c) ~~The center~~ Shall focus on curriculum related to, but

1298 not limited to, fuel reduction, an incident management system,

1299 prescribed burning certification, multiple-use land management,

1300 water quality, forest health, environmental education, and

1301 wildfire suppression training for structural firefighters.

1302 (d) ~~The center~~ May assess appropriate fees for food,

1303 lodging, travel, course materials, and supplies in order to meet

1304 their ~~its~~ operational costs and may grant free meals, room, and

1305 scholarships to persons and other entities as determined by the

1306 Florida Forest Service, regardless of whether training occurs at

1307 the Withlacoochee Training Center or Welaka Training Center or

1308 at another location ~~in exchange for instructional assistance~~ .

1309 (8)(a) The Cross City Work Center shall be named the L.

1310 Earl Peterson Forestry Station. This is to honor Mr. L. Earl

1311 Peterson, Florida’s sixth state forester, whose distinguished

1312 career in state government has spanned 44 years, and who is a

1313 native of Dixie County.

1314 (b) The Madison Forestry Station shall be named the Harvey

1315 Greene Sr. Forestry Station. This is to honor Mr. Harvey Greene

1316 Sr., a World War I veteran and pioneer in forestry in Madison

1317 County. In 1947, Mr. Harvey Greene Sr. offered to give the land

1318 on which the forestry station is located to the state; however,

1319 at that time, the state could not accept donations of land.

1320 Instead, Mr. Harvey Greene Sr. sold the land to the state and,

1321 with the proceeds of the sale, purchased forestry equipment to

1322 be used by the citizens of Madison County to plant trees and

1323 fight wildfires.

1324 (c) The Bonifay Forestry Station shall be named the John

1325 Michael Mathis Forestry Station. This is to honor the late Mr.

1326 John Michael Mathis, the Chipola Forestry Center manager whose

1327 distinguished career spanned 18 years, and who received many

1328 awards for his service, including commendation for leadership in

1329 wildfire mitigation for his service during Hurricane Michael.

1330 Mr. John Michael Mathis was a proud husband, father, forester,

1331 and friend.

1332 (9)(a) Notwithstanding ss. 273.055 and 287.16, the

1333 department may retain, transfer, warehouse, bid, destroy, scrap,

1334 or otherwise dispose of surplus equipment and vehicles that are

1335 used for wildland firefighting.

1336 (b) All money received from the disposition of state-owned

1337 equipment and vehicles that are used for wildland firefighting

1338 shall be retained by the department. Money received pursuant to

1339 this section is appropriated for and may be disbursed for the

1340 acquisition of exchange and surplus equipment used for wildland

1341 firefighting, and for all necessary operating expenditures

1342 related to such equipment, in the same fiscal year and the

1343 fiscal year following the disposition. The department shall

1344 maintain records of the accounts into which the money is

1345 deposited.

1346 (10)(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 252.38, the

1347 Florida Forest Service has exclusive authority to require and

1348 issue authorizations for broadcast burning and agricultural and

1349 silvicultural pile burning. An agency, commission, department,

1350 county, municipality, or other political subdivision of the

1351 state may not adopt or enforce laws, regulations, rules, or

1352 policies pertaining to broadcast burning or agricultural and

1353 silvicultural pile burning.

1354 (b) The Florida Forest Service may delegate to a county,

1355 municipality, or special district its authority:

1356 1. As delegated by the Department of Environmental

1357 Protection pursuant to ss. 403.061(29) and 403.081, to manage

1358 and enforce regulations pertaining to the burning of yard trash

1359 in accordance with s. 590.125(6).

1360 2. To manage the open burning of land clearing debris in

1361 accordance with s. 590.125.

1362 Section 35. Section 595.421, Florida Statutes, is created

1363 to read:

1364 595.421 Farmers Feeding Florida Program.—There is

1365 established the Farmers Feeding Florida Program to coordinate

1366 with Feeding Florida, or its successor entity, for the

1367 acquisition, transportation, and distribution of non-Emergency

1368 Food Assistance Program fresh food products for the benefit of

1369 residents who are food insecure due to a lack of local food

1370 resources, accessibility, and affordability.

1371 (1) In order to implement the program, Feeding Florida

1372 shall:

1373 (a) Enter into an agreement with the department to provide,

1374 at a minimum, all of the following services:

1375 1. Transportation of non-Emergency Food Assistance Program

1376 fresh food products using owned vehicles or contracted

1377 commercial vehicles.

1378 2. Coordination of the purchase and pickup of food from the

1379 purchase location and delivery to the distribution location.

1380 (b) Submit monthly reports to the department, beginning

1381 July 1, 2026, which include, at a minimum, all of the following:

1382 1. A detailed record of the amount of food purchased,

1383 measured per pound and itemized according to its commodity type.

1384 2. Food purchase locations.

1385 3. Food purchase dates.

1386 4. The date of delivery and locations to which the food was

1387 distributed.

1388 (c) Submit quarterly reports, beginning July 1, 2026, to

1389 the chairs of the legislative appropriations committees,

1390 including all of the following information:

1391 1. A detailed record of the amount of food distributed,

1392 measured per pound and itemized according to its commodity type.

1393 2. The distribution locations.

1394 3. An itemized list of the types of commodities

1395 distributed.

1396 (2) Foods purchased by Feeding Florida through the program

1397 are restricted to charitable purposes for hunger relief and may

1398 not reenter the wholesale, retail, or secondary market.

1399 (3) Feeding Florida may not, in implementing this section,

1400 allow a candidate for elective office to host a food

1401 distribution event during the period of time between the last

1402 day of the election qualifying period and the date of the

1403 election if the candidate is opposed for election or reelection

1404 at the time of the event. This subsection does not apply if the

1405 event is in response to a declared state of emergency.

1406 Section 36. Present paragraph (c) of subsection (7) of

1407 section 597.004, Florida Statutes, is redesignated as paragraph

1408 (d) and amended, a new paragraph (c) is added to that

1409 subsection, and paragraph (a) of subsection (2) of that section

1410 is amended, to read:

1411 597.004 Aquaculture certificate of registration.—

1412 (2) RULES.—

1413 (a) The department, in consultation with the Department of

1414 Environmental Protection, the water management districts,

1415 environmental groups, and representatives from the affected

1416 farming groups, shall adopt rules to:

1417 1. Specify the requirement of best management practices to

1418 be implemented by holders of aquaculture certificates of

1419 registration.

1420 2. Establish procedures for holders of aquaculture

1421 certificates of registration to submit the notice of intent to

1422 comply with best management practices.

1423 3. Establish schedules for implementation of best

1424 management practices, and of interim measures that can be taken

1425 prior to adoption of best management practices. Interim measures

1426 may include the continuation of regulatory requirements in

1427 effect on June 30, 1998.

1428 4. Establish a system to assure the implementation of best

1429 management practices, including recordkeeping requirements.

1430 5. Require any facility that cultures Micropterus salmoides

1431 ~~floridanus~~ to maintain stock acquisition documentation or

1432 records of genetic testing.

1433 (7) REGISTRATION AND RENEWALS.—

1434 (c) The department may not renew a certificate of

1435 registration for a facility that is not compliant with this

1436 section unless documentation of corrective action is provided

1437 with the renewal application.

1438 (d) ~~(c)~~ A ~~Any~~ person whose certificate of registration has

1439 been revoked or suspended must reapply to the department for

1440 certification. A person, a company, or an entity, or a principal

1441 of a company or an entity whose certificate of registration has

1442 been revoked, may not reapply for a period of 3 years.

1443 Section 37. Paragraph (a) of subsection (5) of section

1444 597.010, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

1445 597.010 Shellfish regulation; leases.—

1446 (5) LEASES IN PERPETUITY; RENT.—

1447 (a) All leases issued previously under ~~the provisions of~~ s.

1448 379.2525 shall be enforced under the authority of this chapter,

1449 notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, and shall

1450 continue in perpetuity under such restrictions as stated in the

1451 lease agreement. The annual rental fee charged for all leases

1452 shall consist of the minimum rate of $15 per acre, or any

1453 fraction of an acre, per year and may ~~shall~~ be adjusted on

1454 January 1, 1995, and every 5 years thereafter, based on the 5

1455 year average change in the Consumer Price Index. Rent must ~~shall~~

1456 be paid in advance of January 1 of each year or , in the case of

1457 a new lease , at the time of signing, regardless of who holds the

1458 lease.

1459 Section 38. Paragraphs (b) and (c) of subsection (1) of

1460 section 599.012, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

1461 599.012 Florida Wine Trust Fund; creation.—

1462 (1) There is established the Florida Wine Trust Fund within

1463 the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The

1464 department shall use the moneys deposited in the trust fund

1465 pursuant to subsection (2) to do all the following:

1466 (b) Promote wine ~~viticulture~~ products manufactured from

1467 products grown in the state.

1468 (c) Provide grants for wine and viticultural research.

1469 Section 39. Subsection (3) of section 601.13, Florida

1470 Statutes, is amended to read:

1471 601.13 Citrus research; administration by Department of

1472 Citrus; appropriation.—

1473 (3) An entity that solicits research proposals and awards

1474 funding for those proposals expending funds received from the

1475 State Treasury on citrus production research conducted pursuant

1476 to chapter 573, as recommended by the Citrus Research and Field

1477 Trial ~~Development~~ Foundation, Inc., or conducted through

1478 contract with the department shall deliver a report that

1479 includes all of the following information to the commission

1480 biannually and at the request of the commission:

1481 (a) Project plans selected for funding.

1482 (b) The financial status of the projects.

1483 (c) Current findings of the funded research.

1484 (d) Availability of citrus products or application of

1485 growers’ practices found through funded research.

1486 (e) The status of the commercialization process of such

1487 products or practices.

1488 Section 40. Section 616.001, Florida Statutes, is amended

1489 to read:

1490 616.001 Definitions.—As used in this chapter, the term:

1491 (1) “Annual public fair” means a ~~community, county,~~

1492 ~~district, regional, or state~~ fair that is held and conducted by

1493 a fair association and permitted by the department pursuant to

1494 s. 616.15.

1495 (2) “Authority” means the Florida State Fair Authority.

1496 (3) ~~“Community fair” means an annual public fair that~~

1497 ~~serves an area of less than an entire county, has exhibits that~~

1498 ~~are in accordance with s. 616.17, and gives premiums or awards~~

1499 ~~to exhibitors. Agricultural products shall be produced in the~~

1500 ~~community the exhibit represents. The majority of the board of~~

1501 ~~directors of the fair shall reside, be employed, or operate a~~

1502 ~~business in the community the fair represents.~~

1503 ~~(4)~~ “Concession” means use by a fair association, or a

1504 grant, lease, or license to a third party, of a portion of the

1505 land under the ownership, custody, or control of a fair

1506 association for specific uses, or the right to enter upon the

1507 land for specific purposes, such as providing rides, games,

1508 food, beverage, merchandise for sale, exhibits, projects,

1509 activities, events, programs, or other uses authorized in this

1510 chapter.

1511 ~~(5) “County fair” means an annual public fair that serves~~

1512 ~~an entire county and provides exhibitors with premiums or awards~~

1513 ~~for exhibits that are in accordance with s. 616.17. Agricultural~~

1514 ~~products must be typical of those produced in the county the~~

1515 ~~exhibit represents. The majority of the board of directors of~~

1516 ~~the fair shall reside, be employed, or operate a business in the~~

1517 ~~county that the fair association represents.~~

1518 (4) ~~(6)~~ “Department” means the Department of Agriculture and

1519 Consumer Services.

1520 ~~(7) “District fair” means an annual public fair that serves~~

1521 ~~at least five counties and has exhibits that meet the~~

1522 ~~requirements of s. 616.17. A district fair shall pay at least~~

1523 ~~$25,000 in cash premiums or awards to exhibitors. Agricultural~~

1524 ~~products must be typical of those produced in the counties the~~

1525 ~~exhibit represents. Livestock may originate from outside the~~

1526 ~~district, but must be registered in the exhibitor’s name at~~

1527 ~~least 30 days before the opening day of the fair. Each county is~~

1528 ~~encouraged to have proportionate exhibits, typical of its~~

1529 ~~respective natural resources. Each county shall have exhibits~~

1530 ~~representing basic resources in agriculture and industry.~~

1531 (5) ~~(8)~~ “Entry” means one item entered for competition or

1532 show. An entry may constitute an exhibit, depending upon the

1533 regulations stated in the premium book.

1534 (6) ~~(9)~~ “Exhibit” means one or more entries entered for

1535 exhibition and constituting a unit. An exhibit may consist of

1536 one or more entries, depending upon the regulations stated in

1537 the premium book. The term includes parades and displays of

1538 articles or a collection of articles, whether static,

1539 interactive, or dynamic, by a fair association or a third party

1540 contracting with a fair association, such as exhibits of

1541 animals, art, housewares, or motor vehicles.

1542 (7) ~~(10)~~ “Exhibitor” means an individual, a group of

1543 individuals, or a business, including a fair association or

1544 third party contracting with a fair association, which has an

1545 exhibit.

1546 (8) ~~(11)~~ “Fair association” or “association” means an

1547 association not for profit incorporated under this chapter for

1548 the purpose of conducting and operating public fairs or

1549 expositions.

1550 (9) ~~(12)~~ “Public fair or exposition” means a project,

1551 activity, event, or program, and use by a fair association,

1552 including, but not limited to, the annual public fair, which

1553 serves the purposes specified in s. 616.08 and benefits and

1554 develops the educational, agricultural, horticultural,

1555 livestock, charitable, historical, civic, cultural, scientific,

1556 and other resources of this state, or any county, municipality,

1557 or other community in this state.

1558 ~~(13) “Regional fair” or “interstate fair” means an annual~~

1559 ~~public fair of this state and other states in which fair~~

1560 ~~exhibits meet the requirements of s. 616.17. Agricultural~~

1561 ~~products must be typical of those produced in the area the~~

1562 ~~exhibit represents.~~

1563 (10) ~~(14)~~ “Specialized show” means a show or an exhibition

1564 exhibiting and emphasizing livestock or poultry, or a fruit or

1565 vegetable festival, and must meet the minimum exhibit

1566 requirements specified in s. 616.17. ~~A specialized show may~~

1567 ~~qualify under one of the definitions in subsections (3), (5),~~

1568 ~~(7), and (15).~~

1569 (11) ~~(15)~~ “State fair” means an annual public fair that

1570 serves the entire state. ~~Exhibits must comply with s. 616.17,~~

1571 ~~and cash premiums or awards may be given to exhibitors.~~

1572 Section 41. Section 616.01, Florida Statutes, is amended to

1573 read:

1574 616.01 Requirements for ~~Number of persons required;~~

1575 ~~requisites of~~ proposed charter.— ~~Twenty-five or more persons who~~

1576 ~~are~~ Residents and qualified electors of the county in which the

1577 annual public fair is to be located, who wish to form an

1578 association not for profit for the purpose of conducting and

1579 operating public fairs or expositions, may become incorporated

1580 in the following manner. The applicant must ~~subscribers shall~~

1581 submit the proposed charter to the department for review and

1582 approval or denial. If the proposed charter is denied, the

1583 department must provide the applicant with a letter sent to the

1584 mailing address provided on the proposed charter and include a

1585 complete listing of all deficiencies, if any, which must be

1586 remedied before resubmittal of the proposed charter for

1587 approval . If the proposed charter is approved, the applicant

1588 must ~~subscribers shall~~ sign and present a notarized copy of the

1589 proposed charter to the judge of the circuit court for the

1590 county in which the principal office of the association will be

1591 located. The proposed charter must specify:

1592 (1) The name of the association and the place where the

1593 principal office is to be located. The name of the association

1594 must ~~shall~~ include the word, “Inc.”

1595 (2) The general nature of the objectives and powers of the

1596 association, including a provision that the association is

1597 incorporated for the sole purpose of conducting and operating

1598 public fairs or expositions.

1599 (3) The qualifications and terms of association members and

1600 criteria for their admission and expulsion. Provision must ~~may~~

1601 be made in the charter for ex officio membership.

1602 (4) The time for which the association is to exist.

1603 (5) The name and residence of each subscriber.

1604 (6) Procedures for the election of and governance by

1605 officers, who may be elected or appointed.

1606 (7) The designation of officers who will manage the affairs

1607 of the association until the first election or appointment under

1608 the charter.

1609 (8) Procedures for the adoption, amendment, or rescission

1610 of bylaws of the association.

1611 (9) The highest amount of indebtedness or liability that

1612 may be accrued by the association.

1613 (10) The name of an elected member of the board of county

1614 commissioners of the county in which the principal office of the

1615 association will be located, who will serve as an ex officio

1616 member of the board of directors of the association.

1617 (11) The official e-mail address of the association which

1618 will be used for the purpose of official communication between

1619 the association and governmental entities.

1620 (12) The language for the oath that will be taken by the

1621 applicant, which must include, but is not limited to, all of the

1622 following:

1623 (a) That the primary objective of the association is for

1624 public service and to hold, conduct, and promote public fairs or

1625 expositions.

1626 (b) That money and other available assets in value

1627 exceeding $5,000 have been provided for purposes designated by

1628 the association.

1629 (c) That the association will operate in good faith to

1630 carry out the purposes and objectives set forth in the charter.

1631 Section 42. Section 616.02, Florida Statutes, is amended to

1632 read:

1633 616.02 Fair associations per county ~~Acknowledgment of~~

1634 ~~charter~~ .—

1635 (1) Beginning July 1, 2026, there may be only one

1636 incorporated fair association per county in this state,

1637 excluding the state fair, which may be incorporated and

1638 conducted in any county. The department may not approve a

1639 proposed charter incorporating a fair association within the

1640 same county in which a fair association currently exists. The

1641 department may waive this requirement at the discretion of the

1642 Commissioner of Agriculture.

1643 (2) Any fair association incorporated before July 1, 2026,

1644 may conduct public fairs or expositions and exercise the

1645 authority provided to them pursuant to this chapter ~~The proposed~~

1646 ~~charter of a fair association shall be acknowledged by at least~~

1647 ~~three of its subscribers before an officer authorized to make~~

1648 ~~acknowledgment of deeds. Subscribers shall also make and take an~~

1649 ~~oath, which must be attached to the proposed charter, stating~~

1650 ~~that the primary objective of the association is public service~~

1651 ~~and holding, conducting, and promoting public fairs or~~

1652 ~~expositions; that money and other available assets in value~~

1653 ~~exceeding $5,000 have been provided for the purposes of the~~

1654 ~~association; and that the association will operate in good faith~~

1655 ~~to carry out the purposes and objectives set forth in its~~

1656 ~~charter~~ .

1657 Section 43. Section 616.03, Florida Statutes, is amended to

1658 read:

1659 616.03 ~~Notice of application;~~ Approval and record of

1660 charter.— Upon approval by the department, ~~A notice of intention~~

1661 ~~to apply to the circuit court for the charter of a fair~~

1662 ~~association must specify the date that application will be made,~~

1663 ~~shall be sent to the department for approval, and shall be~~

1664 ~~published in a newspaper in the county where the principal~~

1665 ~~office of the association will be located once each week for 4~~

1666 ~~consecutive weeks. The notice must briefly summarize the charter~~

1667 ~~and objectives of the proposed association.~~ the proposed charter

1668 must ~~shall~~ be submitted to and approved by the board of county

1669 commissioners of the county in which the principal office of the

1670 association will be located. After approval by the ~~department~~

1671 ~~and the~~ board of county commissioners, the proposed charter and

1672 proof of approval must ~~and publication shall~~ be submitted to the

1673 circuit judge ~~on the date specified in the notice~~ . If no cause

1674 is shown to the contrary and the judge finds that the proposed

1675 charter is in proper form and will serve the primary objective

1676 of public service, the judge must ~~shall~~ approve the charter and

1677 issue an order incorporating the applicant ~~subscribers~~ under the

1678 charter for the objectives and purposes specified in the

1679 charter. The charter and order of incorporation must ~~shall~~ be

1680 recorded in the office of the clerk of the circuit court in the

1681 county where the principal office of the association will be

1682 located and provided to the department. After the order is

1683 recorded, the applicant ~~subscribers~~ and any ~~their~~ associates are

1684 incorporated with the objectives and powers established in the

1685 charter and under the name given in the charter. ~~During the~~

1686 ~~publication period, the proposed charter shall be on file in the~~

1687 ~~office of the clerk of the circuit court.~~ This section does not

1688 preclude a fair association from also filing its duly approved

1689 charter with the Department of State pursuant to chapter 617 for

1690 notice purposes.

1691 Section 44. Subsection (2) of section 616.05, Florida

1692 Statutes, is amended to read:

1693 616.05 Amendment of charter.—A fair association may propose

1694 an amendment to its charter by resolution as provided in its

1695 charter or bylaws.

1696 (2) After the department approves the proposed amendment,

1697 it will be incorporated into the original charter upon:

1698 (a) ~~Publication of notice in the same manner as provided in~~

1699 ~~s. 616.03;~~

1700 ~~(b)~~ Filing the order of the circuit judge approving the

1701 amendment with the office of the clerk of the circuit court and

1702 the department; and

1703 (b) ~~(c)~~ Being recorded in the clerk’s office.

1705 If a fair association has filed its charter with the Department

1706 of State pursuant to chapter 617, a copy of any amendment to the

1707 charter must be filed with the Department of State for notice

1708 purposes.

1709 Section 45. Section 616.051, Florida Statutes, is amended

1710 to read:

1711 616.051 Dissolving a charter.—

1712 (1) A fair association may dissolve its charter by

1713 resolution as provided in its charter or bylaws. The proposal

1714 for dissolving the charter shall be submitted to the department

1715 for approval.

1716 (2) Upon approval by the department and upon presentation

1717 of sufficient evidence demonstrating ~~and publication of notice~~

1718 ~~and proof~~ that all indebtedness has been paid and no claims are

1719 outstanding against the association, the circuit judge may, by

1720 decree, dissolve the association and order the distribution of

1721 its remaining assets. Such assets must be distributed, by

1722 resolution of the board of directors, to the county in which the

1723 principal office of the association is located unless otherwise

1724 specified by the deed of the property held by the association

1725 ~~its remaining public funds to be distributed as recommended by~~

1726 ~~the board of directors~~ .

1727 Section 46. Subsection (3) of section 616.07, Florida

1728 Statutes, is amended, and subsections (1) and (2) of that

1729 section are republished, to read:

1730 616.07 Members not personally liable; property of

1731 association held in trust; exempt from taxation.—

1732 (1) A member, officer, director, or trustee of a fair

1733 association is not personally liable for any of the debts of the

1734 association, and money or property of a fair association may not

1735 be distributed as profits or dividends among its members,

1736 officers, directors, or trustees.

1737 (2) All money and property of the association, except that

1738 necessary for the payment of its just debts and liabilities, are

1739 public property, shall be administered by the association as

1740 trustee, and shall be used exclusively for the legitimate

1741 purpose of the association. So long as they are used for that

1742 purpose, all money and property of the association are exempt

1743 from all forms of taxation, including special assessments, and

1744 any projects, activities, events, programs, and uses authorized

1745 by this part serve an essential governmental purpose and,

1746 therefore, are not taxable and are not subject to assessments.

1747 This subsection does not apply to chapter 212.

1748 ~~(3) Upon order of the circuit judge, any public funds or~~

1749 ~~property remaining in a fair association when the association is~~

1750 ~~dissolved shall be distributed by resolution of the board of~~

1751 ~~directors to any county or any municipality within the county.~~

1752 ~~The board may designate in the distribution resolution the~~

1753 ~~public project that will benefit from the funds or the manner in~~

1754 ~~which the property will be used. If property has been~~

1755 ~~contributed by a municipality or county, the property shall be~~

1756 ~~reconveyed to the municipality or county that gave the property~~

1757 ~~to the association.~~

1758 Section 47. Section 616.101, Florida Statutes, is amended

1759 to read:

1760 616.101 Annual review of accounts and records ; review of

1761 charter .—

1762 (1) The accounts and records of a ~~every~~ fair association

1763 whose annual public fair has an annual attendance of more than

1764 25,000 , based upon recorded attendance from the previous year,

1765 must ~~shall~~ be reviewed annually by a qualified accountant

1766 licensed by the state. A fair association whose annual public

1767 fair has an annual attendance of 25,000 or fewer , based upon

1768 recorded attendance from the previous year, or a fair

1769 association that is holding an annual public fair for the first

1770 time, must submit an annual financial statement that has been

1771 signed by an officer of the county. The results of the reviews

1772 must ~~shall~~ be kept in the official records of each association,

1773 available to all directors of the association. A certified copy

1774 of the review must ~~shall~~ be filed with the department:

1775 (a) ~~(1)~~ On request by the department to certify expenditures

1776 of the premiums awarded to exhibitors of a fair or of building

1777 funds if ~~when~~ there is evidence of a violation of state laws; or

1778 (b) ~~(2)~~ When the association is applying for a fair permit.

1779 (2) A fair association shall, every 5 years beginning July

1780 1, 2026, review its charter and submit to the department a

1781 certified copy of the charter which incorporates any amendment

1782 made during the last 5 years. A designated member of the

1783 association shall attest that the charter is accurate and

1784 factual when submitting the certified copy to the department.

1785 Section 48. Section 616.15, Florida Statutes, is amended to

1786 read:

1787 616.15 Permit from Department of Agriculture and Consumer

1788 Services required.—

1789 (1) An annual public fair may not be conducted by a fair

1790 association without a permit issued by the department. The

1791 association shall present to the department an application for a

1792 permit, signed by an officer of the association, at least 90

1793 calendar days ~~3 months~~ before holding the annual public fair.

1794 The application must ~~shall~~ be accompanied by a fee in an amount

1795 to be determined by the department for processing the

1796 application and making any required investigation. The

1797 application fee must be at least $183 and may not exceed $366.

1798 Fees collected under this subsection shall be deposited in the

1799 General Inspection Trust Fund of the State Treasury in a special

1800 account to be known as the “Agricultural and Livestock Fair

1801 Account.” A copy of the application must be sent to each fair

1802 association located within 50 miles of the site of the proposed

1803 annual public fair at the same time the application is sent to

1804 the department. The department may issue a permit if the

1805 applicant provides:

1806 (a) The opening and closing dates of the proposed annual

1807 public fair.

1808 (b) The name and address of the owner of the central

1809 amusement attraction that will operate during the annual public

1810 fair.

1811 (c) An affidavit properly executed by the president or

1812 chief executive officer of the applicant association certifying

1813 the existence of a binding contract entered into by the

1814 association and the owner of the central amusement attraction

1815 covering the period for which the permit from the department is

1816 applied. The contract between the parties must ~~shall~~ be

1817 available for inspection by duly authorized agents of the

1818 department in administering this chapter.

1819 (d) A copy of the association’s charter which incorporates

1820 all amendments made ~~A written statement that the main purpose of~~

1821 ~~the association is to conduct and operate a public fair and~~

1822 ~~exposition, including the annual fair, for the benefit and~~

1823 ~~development of the educational, agricultural, horticultural,~~

1824 ~~livestock, charitable, historical, civic, cultural, scientific,~~

1825 ~~and other resources of the geographical area the fair~~

1826 ~~association represents and serves. The statement must be~~

1827 ~~subscribed and acknowledged by an officer of the association~~

1828 ~~before an officer authorized to take acknowledgments~~ .

1829 (e) A premium list of the current annual public fair to be

1830 conducted and or a copy of the previous year’s premium list

1831 showing all premiums and awards to be offered to exhibitors in

1832 various departments of the annual public fair, which may

1833 include, but are not limited to, art exhibition ; , beef cattle ; ,

1834 county exhibits ; , dairy cattle ; , horticulture ; , swine ; ~~, women’s~~

1835 ~~department,~~ 4-H Club activities ; , Future Farmers of America

1836 activities ; Family , Career and Community Leaders of America

1837 ~~Future Homemakers of America~~ activities ; , poultry and egg

1838 exhibits ; , and community exhibits. The premium list, which may

1839 be submitted separately from the application, must be submitted

1840 at least 60 calendar days before the annual public fair begins

1841 operation.

1842 (f) A complete listing of all exhibits required pursuant to

1843 s. 616.17 ~~Proof of liability insurance insuring the association~~

1844 ~~against liability for injury to persons, in an amount of not~~

1845 ~~less than $300,000 per occurrence~~ .

1846 ~~(g) A copy of the most recent review.~~

1847 ~~(h) A list of all current members of the board of directors~~

1848 ~~of the association and their contact information, including home~~

1849 ~~address.~~

1851 The department shall issue the permit within 10 calendar days

1852 after it receives ~~all~~ the information required by this

1853 subsection ~~and the applicant qualifies pursuant to this section~~ .

1854 (2) At least 21 calendar days before holding the annual

1855 public fair, the association shall present the department with

1856 all of the following information:

1857 (a) Proof of liability insurance insuring the association

1858 against liability for injury to persons, in an amount not less

1859 than $300,000 per occurrence.

1860 (b) A copy of the association’s most recent annual

1861 financial statement pursuant to s. 616.101.

1862 (c) A list of all current members of the board of directors

1863 of the association and their contact information, including

1864 mailing addresses.

1865 (3) ~~(2)~~ The department shall administer and enforce ~~the~~

1866 ~~provisions of~~ this chapter except as to the regulation of games,

1867 which shall be regulated by local law enforcement agencies. The

1868 department shall adopt rules to administer this chapter,

1869 including rules governing the form and contents of the

1870 application for the permit and any reports that it deems ~~may~~

1871 ~~deem~~ necessary in enforcing the provisions of this chapter.

1872 (4) ~~(3)~~ Notwithstanding any fair association meeting the

1873 requirements set forth in subsection (1), the department may

1874 order a full investigation to determine if the fair association

1875 meets the requirements of this part ~~s. 616.01~~ , and may withhold

1876 a permit from, deny a permit to, or withdraw a permit once

1877 issued to the association. The department shall also consider

1878 whether any proposed annual public fair, as set forth in an

1879 application for a permit, will compete with another annual

1880 public fair within 50 miles of the proposed annual public fair

1881 with respect to name, dates of operation, or market. The

1882 department may deny, withhold, or withdraw a permit from a fair

1883 association if the department determines that such fair

1884 association will compete with another association. The

1885 department shall give preference to existing fair associations

1886 with established dates, locations, and names. The determination

1887 by the department is final.

1888 Section 49. Section 616.251, Florida Statutes, is amended

1889 to read:

1890 616.251 Florida State Fair Authority; creation;

1891 responsibility for staging annual state fair ; exemptions .—

1892 (1) There is created and constituted the “Florida State

1893 Fair Authority,” a public body corporate and politic, for the

1894 purposes and with the powers set forth in this part. Such

1895 instrumentality, hereinafter referred to as “the authority,”

1896 shall have perpetual succession. For the purposes of

1897 implementing the intent of this part, the authority shall be

1898 considered an instrumentality of the state, subject to the

1899 jurisdiction of the state. Any conflict with respect to that

1900 jurisdiction will be resolved by the authority and respective

1901 state agencies.

1902 (2) The authority shall operate under the supervision of

1903 the Commissioner of Agriculture, which supervision may include,

1904 but is not limited to, assisting, advising, and making

1905 recommendations regarding the financing and operation of the

1906 authority. In assisting and advising the authority, the

1907 Commissioner of Agriculture may make appropriate staff of the

1908 department available to the authority.

1909 (3) The authority is charged with the responsibility of

1910 staging an annual fair to serve the entire state. Cash premiums

1911 or awards may be given to exhibitors.

1912 (4) The authority shall be exempt from the requirements of

1913 part I of this chapter.

1914 (5) ~~(4)~~ The principal offices of the authority shall be in

1915 such place or places in or near the City of Tampa as the

1916 authority may from time to time designate.

1917 Section 50. Paragraph (b) of subsection (2) of section

1918 624.4032, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:

1919 624.4032 Nonprofit agricultural organization medical

1920 benefit plans.—

1921 (2) For purposes of this section, the term “nonprofit

1922 agricultural organization” means an organization that meets all

1923 of the following criteria:

1924 (b) Is exempt from federal income tax under s. 501(c)(5) s.

1925 ~~501(c)(3)~~ of the Internal Revenue Code.

1926 Section 51. Subsection (1) of section 843.085, Florida

1927 Statutes, is amended, and subsection (5) of that section is

1928 republished, to read:

1929 843.085 Unlawful use of badges or other indicia of

1930 authority.—

1931 (1) It is unlawful for any person, unless appointed by the

1932 Governor pursuant to chapter 354, authorized by the appropriate

1933 agency, or displayed in a closed or mounted case as a collection

1934 or exhibit, to wear or display any authorized indicia of

1935 authority, including any badge, insignia, emblem, identification

1936 card, or uniform, or any colorable imitation thereof, of any

1937 federal, state, county, or municipal law enforcement agency, or

1938 other criminal justice agency as defined in s. 943.045, with the

1939 intent to mislead or cause another person to believe that he or

1940 she is a member of that agency or is authorized to display or

1941 wear such item, or to wear or display any item that displays in

1942 any manner or combination the word or words “police,”

1943 “patrolman,” “patrolwoman,” “agent,” “sheriff,” “deputy,”

1944 “trooper,” “highway patrol,” “commission officer,” “Wildlife

1945 Officer,” “Department of Environmental Protection officer,”

1946 “Marine Patrol Officer,” “state attorney,” “public defender,”

1947 “marshal,” “constable,” “bailiff,” or “fire department,”

1948 “concealed weapon permit,” or “concealed weapon permitholder,”

1949 with the intent to mislead or cause another person to believe

1950 that he or she is a member of that agency , if applicable, or is

1951 authorized to wear or display such item.

1952 (5) A violation of this section is a misdemeanor of the

1953 first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s.

1954 775.083. This section is cumulative to any law now in force in

1955 the state.

1956 Section 52. Subsection (27) is added to section 934.02,

1957 Florida Statutes, to read:

1958 934.02 Definitions.—As used in this chapter:

1959 (27) “Signal jamming device” means a device or process,

1960 such as a phone jammer, global positioning systems blocker, or

1961 other similar device designed to intentionally block, jam, or

1962 interfere with radio communications, such as cellular and

1963 personal communication services, police radar, or global

1964 positioning systems.

1965 Section 53. Section 934.51, Florida Statutes, is created to

1966 read:

1967 934.51 Possession, use, and sale of signal jamming device;

1968 prohibition; exceptions; penalties.—

1969 (1) PROHIBITION.—It is unlawful to possess, manufacture,

1970 hold or offer for sale, sell, import, distribute, or use a

1971 signal jamming device in this state.

1972 (2) EXCEPTIONS.—This section does not apply to a federal or

1973 military law enforcement agency that lawfully installs, places,

1974 or uses a signal jamming device as part of a criminal

1975 investigation, or to any person duly authorized by the Federal

1976 Communications Commission.

1977 (3) PENALTIES.—A person who violates this section commits a

1978 misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s.

1979 775.082 or s. 775.083.

1980 Section 54. (1) The Citrus Research and Development

1981 Foundation, Inc., the nonprofit corporation established in s.

1982 573.112(7), Florida Statutes, is merged into the Citrus Research

1983 and Field Trial Foundation, Inc.

1984 (2) The Citrus Research and Development Foundation, Inc.,

1985 must enter into a plan with the Citrus Research and Field Trial

1986 Foundation, Inc., for the merger. Such merger must be completed

1987 by October 1, 2026. The merger is subject to chapter 617,

1988 Florida Statutes, related to the merger of nonprofit

1989 corporations.

1990 (3) Any funds held in trust which were donated to or earned

1991 by the Citrus Research and Development Foundation, Inc., shall

1992 be transferred to the Citrus Research and Field Trial

1993 Foundation, Inc., and shall be used for the original purposes of

1994 the funds.

1995 (4) The transfer of any program, activity, duty, or

1996 function under this act includes the transfer of any records and

1997 unexpected balances of appropriations, allocations, or other

1998 funds related to such program, activity, duty, or function.

1999 Except as otherwise provided by law, the Citrus Research and

2000 Field Trial Foundation, Inc., shall become the custodian of any

2001 property of the Citrus Research and Development Foundation,

2002 Inc., on the date specified in the plan of merger or October 1,

2003 2026, whichever occurs first.

2004 Section 55. Paragraph (a) of subsection (4) and subsection

2005 (6) of section 288.1175, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:

2006 288.1175 Agriculture education and promotion facility.—

2007 (4) The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

2008 shall certify a facility as an agriculture education and

2009 promotion facility if the Department of Agriculture and Consumer

2010 Services determines that:

2011 (a) The applicant is a unit of local government as defined

2012 in s. 218.369, or a fair association as defined in s. 616.001(8)

2013 ~~s. 616.001(11)~~ , which is responsible for the planning, design,

2014 permitting, construction, renovation, management, and operation

2015 of the agriculture education and promotion facility or holds

2016 title to the property on which such facility is to be developed

2017 and located.

2018 (6) Funds may not be expended to develop or subsidize

2019 privately owned facilities, except for facilities owned by fair

2020 associations as defined in s. 616.001(8) ~~s. 616.001(11)~~ .

2021 Section 56. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment

2022 made by this act to section 287.1351, Florida Statutes, in a

2023 reference thereto, subsection (4) of section 287.056, Florida

2024 Statutes, is reenacted to read:

2025 287.056 Purchases from purchasing agreements and state term

2026 contracts; vendor disqualification.—

2027 (4) A firm or individual placed on the suspended vendor

2028 list pursuant to s. 287.1351 or placed on a disqualified vendor

2029 list pursuant to s. 287.133 or s. 287.134 is immediately

2030 disqualified from state term contract eligibility.

2031 Section 57. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment

2032 made by this act to section 287.1351, Florida Statutes, in a

2033 reference thereto, subsection (5) of section 287.138, Florida

2034 Statutes, is reenacted to read:

2035 287.138 Contracting with entities of foreign countries of

2036 concern prohibited.—

2037 (5) The Attorney General may bring a civil action in any

2038 court of competent jurisdiction against an entity that violates

2039 this section. Violations of this section may result in:

2040 (a) A civil penalty equal to twice the amount of the

2041 contract for which the entity submitted a bid or proposal for,

2042 replied to, or entered into;

2043 (b) Ineligibility to enter into, renew, or extend any

2044 contract, including any grant agreements, with any governmental

2045 entity for up to 5 years;

2046 (c) Ineligibility to receive or renew any license,

2047 certification, or credential issued by a governmental entity for

2048 up to 5 years; and

2049 (d) Placement on the suspended vendor list pursuant to s.

2050 287.1351.

2051 Section 58. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment

2052 made by this act to section 500.04, Florida Statutes, in a

2053 reference thereto, subsection (1) of section 500.177, Florida

2054 Statutes, is reenacted to read:

2055 500.177 Penalty for violation of s. 500.04; dissemination

2056 of false advertisement.—

2057 (1) Any person who violates any provision of s. 500.04 is

2058 guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as

2059 provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083; but, if the violation is

2060 committed after a conviction of such person under this section

2061 has become final, such person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the

2062 first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s.

2063 775.083.

2064 Section 59. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment

2065 made by this act to section 616.07, Florida Statutes, in a

2066 reference thereto, subsection (13) of section 212.08, Florida

2067 Statutes, is reenacted to read:

2068 212.08 Sales, rental, use, consumption, distribution, and

2069 storage tax; specified exemptions.—The sale at retail, the

2070 rental, the use, the consumption, the distribution, and the

2071 storage to be used or consumed in this state of the following

2072 are hereby specifically exempt from the tax imposed by this

2073 chapter.

2074 (13) LIMITATIONS ON EXEMPTIONS.—No transactions shall be

2075 exempt from the tax imposed by this chapter except those

2076 expressly exempted herein. All laws granting tax exemptions, to

2077 the extent they may be inconsistent or in conflict with this

2078 chapter, including, but not limited to, the following designated

2079 laws, shall yield to and be superseded by the provisions of this

2080 subsection: ss. 125.019, 153.76, 154.2331, 159.15, 159.31,

2081 159.50, 159.708, 163.385, 163.395, 215.76, 243.33, 315.11,

2082 348.65, 348.762, 349.13, 403.1834, 616.07, and 623.09, and the

2083 following Laws of Florida, acts of the year indicated: s. 31,

2084 chapter 30843, 1955; s. 19, chapter 30845, 1955; s. 12, chapter

2085 30927, 1955; s. 8, chapter 31179, 1955; s. 15, chapter 31263,

2086 1955; s. 13, chapter 31343, 1955; s. 16, chapter 59-1653; s. 13,

2087 chapter 59-1356; s. 12, chapter 61-2261; s. 19, chapter 61-2754;

2088 s. 10, chapter 61-2686; s. 11, chapter 63-1643; s. 11, chapter

2089 65-1274; s. 16, chapter 67-1446; and s. 10, chapter 67-1681.

2090 This subsection does not supersede the authority of a local

2091 government to adopt financial and local government incentives

2092 pursuant to s. 163.2517.

2093 Section 60. For the purpose of incorporating the amendment

2094 made by this act to section 616.15, Florida Statutes, in a

2095 reference thereto, section 616.185, Florida Statutes, is

2096 reenacted to read:

2097 616.185 Trespass upon grounds or facilities of public fair;

2098 penalty; arrests.—

2099 (1) For the purposes of this chapter, trespass upon the

2100 grounds of the Florida State Fair Authority or any other fair

2101 association permitted under s. 616.15 means:

2102 (a) Entering and remaining upon any grounds or facilities

2103 owned, operated, or controlled by the Florida State Fair

2104 Authority or any other association permitted under s. 616.15 and

2105 committing any act that disrupts the orderly conduct of any

2106 authorized activity of the fair association in charge, or its

2107 lessees, licensees, or the general public on those grounds or

2108 facilities; or

2109 (b) Entering and remaining on those grounds or facilities

2110 after being directed not to enter or to leave them by the

2111 executive director of the authority, chief administrative

2112 officer of the fair association, or any employee or agent of the

2113 association designated by the executive director or

2114 administrator to maintain order on those grounds and facilities,

2115 after a determination by the executive director, administrator,

2116 employee, or agent that the entering or remaining on those

2117 grounds or facilities is in violation of the rules and

2118 regulations of the Florida State Fair Authority or permitted

2119 fair association or is disrupting the orderly conduct of any

2120 authorized activity of the fair association in charge, or its

2121 lessees, licensees, or the general public on those grounds or

2122 facilities.

2123 (2) Any person committing the offense of trespass upon the

2124 grounds of the Florida State Fair Authority or any other fair

2125 association permitted under s. 616.15 commits a misdemeanor of

2126 the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s.

2127 775.083.

2128 (3) A law enforcement officer may arrest any person on or

2129 off the premises, without a warrant, if the officer has probable

2130 cause for believing such person has committed the offense of

2131 trespass upon the grounds of the Florida State Fair Authority or

2132 any fair association permitted under s. 616.15. Such an arrest

2133 does not render the law enforcement officer criminally or

2134 civilly liable for false arrest, false imprisonment, or unlawful

2135 detention.

2136 Section 61. This act shall take effect July 1, 2026.