Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a historic $116.5 billion budget last week for the 2023-24 fiscal year. Included were important victories for the agricultural industry, especially those in the specialty crop sector.
The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) sent an email to its members last week, outlying the impact from the budget on the state’s agricultural sector.
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) secured $6.2 million for its nutrient rate study and $10.9 million for its artificial intelligence (AI) center. Fresh From Florida notched $17.4 million for agricultural products marketing. More than $50 million was secured for citrus marketing and research.
Other important legislation included the signing of SB 1164/HB 1279 (Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services). It created the Tax-Exempt Agricultural Materials (TEAM) card, which streamlines the process of filing for agricultural sales tax exemptions.
SB 7062/HB 7063 (Taxation) was signed as well. It included language that preempts counties from levying special assessments on agricultural lands and non-residential agricultural buildings.
SB 264/HB 1355 (Interest of Foreign Countries) was also signed. It prevents businesses and subsidiaries that are operated primarily in a foreign country of concern like Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, China, as well as individuals from these countries who are unlawfully residing here, are prohibited from purchasing agricultural land.
If FFVA members have questions regarding any bill, contact FFVA Government Affairs Manager Tripp Hunter.