Florida Statute 823.14, the Florida Right to Farm Act, protects established bona fide farm operations from nuisance suits and local ordinances that would inhibit standard agricultural practices conducted in good faith.
Section 823.14, Florida Statutes, declares that established agricultural production conducted on a bona fide farm is presumed reasonable and not a nuisance once it has been in operation for one year or more, provided it complies with generally accepted agricultural practices and laws. The statute also bars local governments from adopting ordinances that prohibit, restrict, regulate, or otherwise limit a bona fide farm operation on land classified as agricultural under Section 193.461. 2023 amendments tightened standing rules, requiring nuisance plaintiffs to be within a half mile of the farm and to file within one year of the operation starting.
Nuisance suits and local ordinances inconsistent with FS 823.14 may be dismissed or invalidated, with prevailing farms entitled to attorney fees in some cases.
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 farm nuisance protection rules stack up against other locations.
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