Florida Statutes 823.14 and 163.3162 restrict local governments from adopting zoning rules that inhibit established farms on agriculturally classified land, preserving agricultural uses against incompatible local regulation.
Section 163.3162, the Agricultural Lands and Practices Act, bars counties from exercising any authority to adopt zoning ordinances or regulations that prohibit or otherwise limit a bona fide farm operation on land classified as agricultural under Section 193.461. Section 823.14 reinforces this by limiting nuisance liability and ordinance reach against established farms. Counties retain authority to address public health and safety concerns and may regulate non-agricultural activities, but they cannot dictate accepted agricultural practices, prohibit specific crops or livestock, or impose setbacks designed to displace farms. Municipalities are likewise limited where land qualifies as bona fide agricultural.
County zoning rules conflicting with FS 163.3162 or FS 823.14 are void as applied to bona fide farms; affected farmers may seek declaratory and injunctive relief.
Lakeland, FL
Lakeland prohibits storing abandoned, inoperable, or unregistered vehicles on public streets or visible on private property. Vehicles may be tagged and towed...
Lakeland, FL
Lakeland regulates electric vehicle charging infrastructure for residential and commercial properties. Building codes may require EV-ready parking in new con...
Lakeland, FL
Lakeland regulates overnight parking on public streets. Many areas restrict parking between certain hours or require permits for overnight street parking.
Lakeland, FL
Lakeland requires pool barriers meeting safety codes to prevent drowning. Fences must be at least 4 to 5 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates.
Lakeland, FL
Lakeland requires permits for retaining walls above a certain height, typically 4 feet. Engineering review may be required for taller walls.
Lakeland, FL
Lakeland restricts or prohibits intentional feeding of wildlife including deer, coyotes, and bears. Feeding wildlife creates public safety hazards and nuisan...
See how Lakeland's agricultural zoning protection rules stack up against other locations.
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