SB 1164- Relating to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

On Thursday, April 20, SB 1164 by Senator Jay Collins (R-Tampa) was heard by the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee and reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

SB 1164 primarily creates a program for sales tax exemptions for production materials used by agricultural producers. The program will allow farmers to apply for and use a Farm Tax Exempt Agricultural Materials (TEAM) card to receive the exemptions. This program works similarly in Georgia and is beneficial to the agriculture community there as well. SB 1164 requires state agencies, universities, and colleges to give preference to food commodities grown or produced in Florida under certain purchasing agreements. Among other mostly technical changes, SB 1164 also revises and eliminates several advisory councils under the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

SB 1164 will now go to the Senate Floor for consideration. The House companion, HB 1279, was passed by the House Infrastructure Strategies Committee on Monday, April 17. HB 1279 awaits further consideration on the House Floor.

AIF supports sales tax exemptions for Florida’s agricultural producers and efforts to make these exemptions easier to access.

HB 645- Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act of 2023

On Thursday, April 20, HB 645 by Representative Robbie Brackett was heard on the House Floor and was reported favorably with 114 yeas and 0 nays.

The bill amends the definition of “critical infrastructure facility” to include a deepwater port or a railroad switching yard.

HB 645 has no further action in the House. The Senate companion, SB 908, was reported favorably by the Senate Rules Committee on Wednesday, April 19. SB 908 will now go to the Senate Floor for consideration.

AIF supports adding greater protection for Florida’s deepwater ports and railyards by including them and their facilities as critical infrastructure in Florida law.