Charlotte County neighbors see hope in Florida Farm Bill

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (WINK) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a wide-ranging agriculture bill into law that supporters say will help protect Florida’s rural communities while supporting the state’s farming industry.

The legislation, known as Senate Bill 290, includes several provisions affecting agriculture, property rights, and local government authority.

The new law prevents cities and counties from banning gas-powered landscaping equipment, such as leaf blowers and lawn mowers. It also allows homeowners to enforce “no commercial solicitation” signs on their property, requires contractors to pay subcontractors within 45 days, imposes new limits on development in some small municipalities, and creates programs to support agriculture and veterinarians.

For some residents in rural Charlotte County, the biggest focus is protecting farmland as development continues to spread across Southwest Florida.

Mary Ann Tipton lives in Prairie Creek West, a rural community surrounded by ranch land and wildlife. She said the loss of agricultural land to development is a growing concern.

“We are losing thousands, thousands of acres of agricultural land to developments,” Tipton said. “Agriculture is a state resource that needs protection, and I believe that’s what this bill does.”

Tipton and her neighbors say development pressure in the area has increased in recent years, with proposals for thousands of new homes in nearby areas.

David Sussman said preserving rural land also means protecting wildlife that depends on it.

“Most everyone that moved out here wanted the country life…horseback riding, wildlife,” Sussman said. “The birding around here is just phenomenal.”

Supporters of the bill say it also invests in the future of agriculture by creating programs that help support veterinarians who care for livestock and horses.

One part of the law includes a loan-repayment program designed to encourage veterinarians to work in rural communities, helping cover student loan costs for those who specialize in large-animal and equine care.

Tipton says access to veterinary services is critical in rural areas where ranchers rely on veterinarians to care for cattle, horses, and other farm animals.

Governor DeSantis said the legislation reflects Florida’s commitment to supporting agriculture and rural communities.

“This package is really significant,” DeSantis said. “I think it shows we have a strong commitment to not just agriculture but our rural communities at large.”

The new law is set to take effect on July 1.