Florida Statute 823.14 | Lawyer Caselaw & Research

The 2024 Florida Statutes

Title XLVI
CRIMES

Chapter 823
PUBLIC NUISANCES

View Entire Chapter

F.S. 823.14

823.14 Florida Right to Farm Act.—

(1) SHORT TITLE.—This section shall be known and may be cited as the “Florida Right to Farm Act.”

(2) LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.—The Legislature finds that agricultural production is a major contributor to the economy of the state; that agricultural lands constitute unique and irreplaceable resources of statewide importance; that the continuation of agricultural activities preserves the landscape and environmental resources of the state, contributes to the increase of tourism, including agritourism, and furthers the economic self-sufficiency of the people of the state; and that the encouragement, development, improvement, and preservation of agriculture will result in a general benefit to the health and welfare of the people of the state. The Legislature further finds that agricultural activities conducted on farm land in urbanizing areas are potentially subject to lawsuits based on the theory of nuisance and that these suits encourage and even force the premature removal of the farm land from agricultural use. It is the purpose of this act to protect reasonable agricultural and complementary agritourism activities conducted on farm land from nuisance suits and other similar lawsuits.

(3) DEFINITIONS.—As used in this section:

(a) “Agritourism activity” has the same meaning as provided in s. 570.86.

(b) “Established date of operation” means the date the farm operation commenced. For an agritourism activity, the term “established date of operation” means the date the specific agritourism activity commenced. If the farm operation is subsequently expanded within the original boundaries of the farm land, the established date of operation of the expansion shall also be considered as the date the original farm operation commenced. If the land boundaries of the farm are subsequently expanded, the established date of operation for each expansion is deemed to be a separate and independent established date of operation. The expanded operation shall not divest the farm operation of a previous established date of operation.

(c) “Farm” means the land, buildings, support facilities, machinery, and other appurtenances used in the production of farm or aquaculture products.

(d) “Farm operation” means all conditions or activities by the owner, lessee, agent, independent contractor, or supplier which occur on a farm in connection with the production of farm, honeybee, or apiculture products or in connection with complementary agritourism activities. These conditions and activities include, but are not limited to, the marketing of farm products at roadside stands or farm markets; the operation of machinery and irrigation pumps; the generation of noise, odors, dust, fumes, and particle emissions; ground or aerial seeding and spraying; the placement and operation of an apiary; the application of chemical fertilizers, conditioners, insecticides, pesticides, and herbicides; agritourism activities; and the employment and use of labor.

(e) “Farm product” means any plant, as defined in s. 581.011, or animal or insect useful to humans and includes, but is not limited to, any product derived therefrom.

(f) “Nuisance” means any interference with reasonable use and enjoyment of land, including, but not limited to, noise, smoke, odors, dust, fumes, particle emissions, or vibration. The term also includes all claims that meet the requirements of this definition, regardless of whether the plaintiff designates those claims as brought in nuisance, negligence, trespass, personal injury, strict liability, or other tort.

(4) FARM OPERATIONS; NUISANCE.—

(a) No farm operation which has been in operation for 1 year or more since its established date of operation and which was not a nuisance at the time of its established date of operation shall be a public or private nuisance if the farm operation conforms to generally accepted agricultural and management practices, except that the following conditions shall constitute evidence of a nuisance:

1. The presence of untreated or improperly treated human waste, garbage, offal, dead animals, dangerous waste materials, or gases which are harmful to human or animal life.

2. The presence of improperly built or improperly maintained septic tanks, water closets, or privies.

3. The keeping of diseased animals which are dangerous to human health, unless such animals are kept in accordance with a current state or federal disease control program.

4. The presence of unsanitary places where animals are slaughtered, which may give rise to diseases which are harmful to human or animal life.

(b) No farm operation shall become a public or private nuisance as a result of a change in ownership, a change in the type of farm product being produced, a change in conditions in or around the locality of the farm, or a change brought about to comply with best management practices adopted by local, state, or federal agencies if such farm has been in operation for 1 year or more since its established date of operation and if it was not a nuisance at the time of its established date of operation.

(c) A farm may not be held liable for nuisance unless the plaintiff proves by clear and convincing evidence that the claim arises out of conduct that did not comply with state or federal environmental laws, regulations, or best management practices.

(d) A nuisance action may not be filed against a farm operation unless the real property affected by the conditions alleged to be a nuisance is located within one-half mile of the source of the activity or structure alleged to be a nuisance.

(5) WHEN EXPANSION OF OPERATION NOT PERMITTED.—This act shall not be construed to permit an existing farm operation to change to a more excessive farm operation with regard to noise, odor, dust, or fumes where the existing farm operation is adjacent to an established homestead or business on March 15, 1982.

(6) LIMITATION ON DUPLICATION OF GOVERNMENT REGULATION.—It is the intent of the Legislature to eliminate duplication of regulatory authority over farm operations as expressed in this subsection. Except as otherwise provided for in this section and s. 487.051(2), and notwithstanding any other provision of law, a local government may not adopt any ordinance, regulation, rule, or policy to prohibit, restrict, regulate, or otherwise limit an activity of a bona fide farm operation on land classified as agricultural land pursuant to s. 193.461, where such activity is regulated through implemented best management practices or interim measures developed by the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, or water management districts and adopted under chapter 120 as part of a statewide or regional program. When an activity of a farm operation takes place within a wellfield protection area as defined in any wellfield protection ordinance adopted by a local government, and the adopted best management practice or interim measure does not specifically address wellfield protection, a local government may regulate that activity pursuant to such ordinance. This subsection does not limit the powers and duties provided for in s. 373.4592 or limit the powers and duties of any local government to address an emergency as provided for in chapter 252.

(7) COMPENSATORY DAMAGES.—When the alleged nuisance emanated from a farm operation, the compensatory damages that may be awarded to a plaintiff for a private nuisance action must be measured by the reduction in the fair market value of the plaintiff’s property caused by the nuisance, but may not exceed the fair market value of the property.

(8) PUNITIVE DAMAGES.—Any punitive damages claim in a nuisance action brought against a farm is subject to ss. 768.71-768.81. Additionally, a plaintiff may not recover punitive damages in a nuisance action against a farm unless:

(a) The alleged nuisance is based on substantially the same conduct that was subject to a civil enforcement judgment or criminal conviction; and

(b) The conviction or judgment occurred within 3 years of the first action forming the basis of the nuisance action.

(9) NUISANCE ACTIONS BASED ON EXISTING FARM OPERATIONS.—A plaintiff who fails to prevail in a nuisance action based on a farm operation that has been in existence for 1 year or more before the date that the action was instituted and that conforms with generally accepted agricultural and management practices or state and federal environmental laws is liable to the farm for all costs, fees, and expenses incurred in defense of the action.

History.—s. 1, ch. 79-61; ss. 1, 2, ch. 82-24; s. 9, ch. 87-367; s. 75, ch. 93-206; s. 1279, ch. 97-102; s. 25, ch. 99-391; s. 39, ch. 2000-308; s. 13, ch. 2012-83; s. 1, ch. 2021-7; s. 65, ch. 2022-4.

F.S. 823.14 on Google Scholar

F.S. 823.14 on Casetext

Amendments to 823.14

Arrestable Offenses / Crimes under Fla. Stat. 823.14

Level: Degree
Misdemeanor/Felony: First/Second/Third

S823.14 4 - HEALTH-SAFETY - FARM CREATE NUISANCE CONDITIONS - M: S

Annotations, Discussions, Cases:

Cases Citing Statute 823.14

Total Results: 13

LANCELOT KOLLMANN v. JENNIFER NICOL CAUDILL

Court: Fla. Dist. Ct. App. | Date Filed: 2023-12-27T00:00:00-08:00

Snippet: limited to, any product derived therefrom." § 823.14(3)(e), Fla. Stat. (2022). Kollmann cites …section "is unambiguously defined by section 823.14(3) as 'any . . . animal . . . useful to humans…" Id. (alterations in original) (quoting § 823.14(3), Fla. Stat. (2013)). The court reasoned that…as that term is used in sections 193.461(5) and 823.14(3)." Id. Here, the trial court erred

McLendon v. Nikolits

Court: Fla. Dist. Ct. App. | Date Filed: 2017-01-25T00:00:00-08:00

Citation: 211 So. 3d 92, 2017 WL 362555, 2017 Fla. App. LEXIS 765

Snippet: unambiguously defined by section 823.14(3) as “any ... animal ... useful to humans.” § 823.14(3)(c), Fla. Stat. (2013…and all forms of farm products as defined in s. 823.14(3) and farm production. § 193.461(5), Fla. Stat…2013). We also note that in referencing section 823.14(3) through section 193.461(5), the Legislature …not limited to, any product derived therefrom. § 823.14(3)(c) (emphasis added). Although aviculture is …as that term is used in sections 193.461(5) and 823.14(3). The plain meaning of the statutes in play control

Bencivenga v. Osceola County

Court: Fla. Dist. Ct. App. | Date Filed: 2014-05-23T00:00:00-07:00

Citation: 140 So. 3d 1035, 2014 WL 2129896, 2014 Fla. App. LEXIS 7814

Snippet: 193.461. The term "farm” is as defined in s. 823.14. No. 5D13-3309 District Court of Appeal

Wilson v. Palm Beach County

Court: Fla. Dist. Ct. App. | Date Filed: 2011-06-15T00:00:00-07:00

Citation: 62 So. 3d 1247, 2011 Fla. App. LEXIS 8934, 2011 WL 2330077

Snippet: County's favor, prompting this appeal. Section 823.14(6), Florida Statutes, provides in relevant part…operations as expressed in this subsection." § 823.14(6), Fla. Stat. (emphasis supplied). What is expressed…may restrict agricultural land uses. See, e.g., § 823.14(6), Fla. Stat. (The Right to Farm Act); § 604.50

Ago

Court: Fla. Att'y Gen. | Date Filed: 2009-06-15T00:53:00-07:00

Snippet: 2004). 7 See s. 823.14(1), Fla. Stat., providing the title to the act. 8 Section 823.14(2), Fla. Stat. …process pursuant to sections 604.50 and section 823.14, Florida Statutes. Question One Section 553.73(…193.461. The term `farm' is as defined in s. 823.14."1 (e.s.) In light of the language used in…that the county must make. Question Two Section 823.14, Florida Statutes, the "Florida Right to Farm…conducted on farm land from nuisance suits.9 Section 823.14(6), Florida Statutes, provides in part that: "

Ago

Court: Fla. Att'y Gen. | Date Filed: 2006-03-07T23:53:00-08:00

Snippet: 1 Section 823.14(2), Fla. Stat. 2 Id. 3 Section 823.14(4)(a), Fla. Stat. 4 Section 823.14(5), Fla. Stat…substantially the following question: Does section 823.14, Florida Statutes, allow the Suwannee County Board…regulations imposed by state agencies pursuant to section 823.14(6), Florida Statutes? According to your letter,…water to the crops. You have asked whether section 823.14, Florida Statutes, precludes all local regulation…recently or whether it is an ongoing practice. Section 823.14, Florida Statutes, the "Florida Right to Farm

Kupke v. Orange County

Court: Fla. Dist. Ct. App. | Date Filed: 2003-02-06T23:53:00-08:00

Citation: 838 So. 2d 598

Snippet: equipment and materials outdoors at his farm. Section 823.14(4), Florida Statutes, provides that a farm operation…COBB, W., Senior Judge, concur. NOTES [1] Section 823.14(3)(a), Florida Statutes, defines a farm as "

Ago

Court: Fla. Att'y Gen. | Date Filed: 2001-10-10T00:53:00-07:00

Snippet: 11 Section 823.14(1), Fla. Stat. 12 Section 823.14(2), Fla. Stat. 13 Id. 14 Section 823.14(4)(a), Fla.… residential dwelling. Farm is as defined in s. 823.14."6 Changes to section 553.73, Florida Statutes…buildings located on a farm.10 Question Two Section 823.14, Florida Statutes, the "Florida Right to Farm… business.15 Pertinent to your inquiry, section 823.14(6), Florida Statutes, provides: "It is the…subsection states that the amendment to section 823.14, Florida Statutes, was to preclude a local government

Flo-Sun, Inc. v. Kirk

Court: Fla. | Date Filed: 2001-03-28T23:53:00-08:00

Citation: 783 So. 2d 1029

Snippet: enactment of Florida's Right to Farm Act, section 823.14, Florida Statutes (1995) (hereinafter "Farm… agricultural and management practices." § 823.14(4)(a), Fla. Stat. (1995). The Farm Act specifically…conducted on farm land from nuisance suits." § 823.14(2), Fla. Stat. (1995). Clearly, then, in adopting

Kirk v. US Sugar Corp.

Court: Fla. Dist. Ct. App. | Date Filed: 1999-02-02T23:53:00-08:00

Citation: 726 So. 2d 822

Snippet: chapter 823 after chapter 403 was enacted. See § 823.14, Fla. Stat. (1995)(enacted 1979 and amended in

Pasco County v. Tampa Farm Service, Inc.

Court: Fla. Dist. Ct. App. | Date Filed: 1990-12-13T23:53:00-08:00

Citation: 573 So. 2d 909

Snippet: section 823.14(5) if it was a generally accepted agricultural practice under section 823.14(4)(a). The…protected under the Florida Right to Farm Act, section 823.14, Florida Statutes (1987). From a review of the …the Florida Right to Farm Act separately. Section 823.14(4)(a) protects a farm which has been established…regarded as acceptable agricultural practices. Section 823.14(4)(b) protects an established farm from being declared…abate its activities. Subsection (5) of section 823.14 is the critical subsection in this case.[2] Neither

Becker v. State

Court: Fla. Dist. Ct. App. | Date Filed: 1989-10-11T00:00:00-07:00

Citation: 549 So. 2d 823, 14 Fla. L. Weekly 2377, 1989 Fla. App. LEXIS 5545

Snippet: Glickstein, Warner 11 October 1989 549 So. 2d 823, 14 Fla. L. Weekly 2377, 1989 Fla. App. LEXIS 5545

Murrin v. Murrin

Court: Fla. Dist. Ct. App. | Date Filed: 1989-10-11T00:00:00-07:00

Citation: 549 So. 2d 823, 14 Fla. L. Weekly 2377, 1989 Fla. App. LEXIS 5553, 1989 WL 118633

Snippet: Glickstein, Warner 11 October 1989 549 So. 2d 823, 14 Fla. L. Weekly 2377, 1989 Fla. App. LEXIS 5553,