Walton County, FL Right to Farm: Agricultural Zoning Protection (2026)
Key Facts
- LSA density
- 1 dwelling unit per 40 acres
- GA density
- 1 dwelling unit per 10 acres
- Open space
- 70% of site required
- Nonresidential intensity
- FAR 0.25, ISR 0.30
- Bed & breakfast cap
- 6 rental units
Summary
Unincorporated Walton County protects working farmland through two dedicated zoning districts rather than a standalone right-to-farm ordinance. The Large Scale Agriculture (LSA) district caps residential density at one dwelling unit per 40 acres and the General Agriculture (GA) district caps it at one unit per 10 acres, keeping agricultural, silvicultural, and agritourism uses as the primary permitted activity in both.
This district includes areas currently used and appropriate for continued use primarily as large-scale agricultural and silvicultural activities, including timber production. ... B.Primary Uses Allowed:1.Single family residential, detached;2.Short term vacation rental unit, detached;3.Agricultural uses;4.Silvicultural uses;5.Agritourism and agribusiness uses;6.Functionally agricultural related uses; ... E.Residential Density Allowed:1.The maximum residential density allowed within this district is one dwelling unit per 40 acres.2.For lots of record, as of November 7, 1996, of 20 acres or less, the maximum gross density for residential use shall be one dwelling unit per 2.5 acres.
Full Breakdown
LSA and GA are the county's two lowest-density rural districts, located predominantly in the North, North Central, and South Central Walton planning areas and in rural areas outside central water and sewer service, including parts of the South Walton planning area not served by utilities. Both districts list agricultural uses, silvicultural uses, agritourism and agribusiness uses, and functionally agriculture-related uses as primary uses allowed by right, alongside a single detached home and one detached short-term vacation rental unit per lot. 30 impervious surface ratio. LSA allows farm worker housing as a conditional use when it is compatible with surrounding land uses and houses only workers employed on the same or an adjacent agricultural operation, and both districts permit bed and breakfast operations capped at six rental rooms, with agritourism retreats capped at ten rooms and 20 overnight guests. 5 acres in LSA, letting older small farm parcels still support a house without rezoning.
Violations & Fines
Land use that exceeds the district's residential density, converts agricultural land to a use not listed as primary, conditional, or accessory in Sec. 2.02.01 or 2.02.02, or builds without the required development order is enforced the same way as any other Land Development Code violation: through Walton County Code Enforcement under Chapter 7 of the Code and F.S. ch. 162, with cases heard by the Special Magistrate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Walton County have a right-to-farm ordinance protecting my farm from nuisance complaints?
Can I put a farm worker house on my Large Scale Agriculture parcel?
What is the smallest lot I can build a house on in the General Agriculture district?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Walton County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Walton County to another location·View the Florida right to farm overview
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