Program Services (Florida Statutes: Title XXXV Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Industry; Chapter 570 Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; Part II; ss. 570.30-570.693)

(a) One representative of the department.

(b) One representative of the dean for extension of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Florida.

(c) One representative each from the state’s beef ca le, poultry, aquaculture, field crops, citrus, vegetable, and dairy production industries.

(d) Two representatives each from the state’s fertilizer, seed, and commercial feed industries. Each member shall be appointed for a term not to exceed 4 years and shall serve until his or her successor is appointed. (3)(a) A majority of the council members constitutes a quorum for all purposes, and an act by a majority of such quorum at any meeting constitutes an official act of the council. The secretary shall keep a complete record of each meeting, which must show the names of members present and the actions taken. Such records must be kept on file with the department. (b) Members of the council shall meet and organize by electing a chair, a vice chair, and a secretary whose terms shall be for 2 years each. Council officers may not serve consecutive terms. (c) The council shall meet at the call of its chair, at the request of a majority of its members, at the request of the department, or at such time as an agricultural or environmental emergency arises, but not less than twice per year. (d) The meetings, powers and duties, procedures, and recordkeeping of the council shall be pursuant to s. 570.232. (4) The council shall: (a) Receive reports of relevant enforcement activity conducted by the Division of Agricultural Environmental Services, including the number of inspections, the number of administrative actions, the number of complaints received and investigated, and the dispositions of complaints. (b) Provide advice to the department on the conduct of relevant enforcement activities. (c) Receive reports on disciplinary actions. (d) Make recommendations to the commissioner for actions to be taken with respect to the regulation of agricultural feed, seed, and fertilizer. History.—s. 21, ch. 2012-190; s. 92, ch. 2013-15; s. 89, ch. 2014-150. 570.48 Division of Fruit and Vegetables; powers and duties; records.—The duties of the Division of Fruit and Vegetables include, but are not limited to: (1) Performing the duties relating to the inspection and certification of fresh citrus fruit shipments for maturity and grade required by rules promulgated under the Florida Citrus Code; performing the inspection and certification duties assigned in connection with regulations issued under federal or state marketing agreements or orders; and performing the other inspection and certification assignments requested by and agreed upon with the applicant. (2)(a) Performing the duties relating to inspection and certification of the maturity and condition of fresh citrus fruits to be processed required by the rules promulgated under the Florida Citrus Code. (b) Inspecting and certifying the grade, quality, or condition of the finished processed pack, as required by rules promulgated under the Florida Citrus Code. (c) Performing the inspection and certification duties as are assigned in connection with regulations issued under federal or state marketing agreements or orders for other fruit and vegetables. (d) Conducting inspections of internal quality for any fruit or vegetable.

(e) Performing tomato food safety inspections under s. 500.70 on tomato farms, in tomato greenhouses, and in tomato packinghouses and repackers.

(f) Performing other inspection and certification assignments as requested by and agreed upon with the applicant. (3) Maintaining the records of the division. The records of the division are public records; however, trade secrets as defined in s. 812.081 are confidential and exempt from s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution. This subsection is subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act in accordance with s. 119.15 and shall stand repealed on October 2, 2021, unless reviewed and saved from repeal through reenactment by the Legislature. This section may not be construed to prohibit: (a) A disclosure necessary to enforcement procedures. (b) The department from releasing information to other governmental agencies. Other governmental agencies that receive confidential information from the department under this subsection shall maintain the confidentiality of that information. (c) The department or other agencies from compiling and publishing appropriate data regarding procedures, yield, recovery, quality, and related ma ers, provided such released data do not reveal by whom the activity to which the data relate was conducted. (4) Performing such duties relating to inspection and certification of vegetables, other fruits, melons, and nuts as are requested by and agreed upon with the applicant and performing such inspection and certification duties as are assigned in connection with regulations issued under federal or state marketing agreements or orders. (5) Performing such duties relating to enforcement of the citrus bond and license law as are required by chapter 601. (6) Performing analyses on waxes, dyes, and other substances used on citrus fruit and issuing authorization for the use of such waxes, dyes, and other substances; issuing equipment to inspectors and maintaining the equipment; conducting necessary technical investigations relative to inspectional procedures; and carrying out the technical duties prescribed under the arsenical spray provisions of chapter 601 and other technical duties prescribed by the department. (7) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, appointing, certifying, licensing, and supervising inspectors whose duties are to inspect fruit and vegetables that are regulated by state law, if federal law does not require such inspectors to be licensed or certified by the federal government. History.—s. 1, ch. 59-54; ss. 4, 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 82-165; s. 50, ch. 83-216; s. 9, ch. 84-165; s. 3, ch. 92-4; ss. 3, 4, ch. 92-290; ss. 29, 30, ch. 92-291; s. 25, ch. 93-169; s. 348, ch. 96-406; s. 8, ch. 99-391; s. 12, ch. 2007-67; s. 4, ch. 2010-25; s. 14, ch. 2016-6. 570.482 Citrus Inspection Trust Fund.— (1) The Citrus Inspection Trust Fund shall be administered by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. (2) Funds to be credited to and uses of the trust fund shall be administered in accordance with ss. 573.118, 581.091, 601.28, 601.281, 601.59, and 603.011. (3) Notwithstanding s. 216.301 and pursuant to s. 216.351, any balance in the trust fund at the end of a fiscal year shall remain in the trust fund at the end of the year and be available for carrying out the purposes of the trust fund. History.—s. 9, ch. 2014-43; s. 71, ch. 2015-2. 570.49 Director; duties.— (1) The director of the Division of Fruit and Vegetables shall be appointed by the commissioner and shall serve at the commissioner’s pleasure. (2) It shall be the duty of the director of this division to direct and supervise the overall operation of the division and exercise other powers and duties as authorized by the department. History.—s. 1, ch. 59-54; ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 31, ch. 92-291; s. 27, ch. 93-169. 570.50 Division of Food Safety; powers and duties.—The duties of the Division of Food Safety include, but are not limited to: (1) Enforcing those provisions of chapter 585, and the rules adopted under that chapter, relating to the inspection of meat and the antemortem and postmortem inspection of poultry. (2) Conducting those general inspection activities relating to food and food products being processed, held, or offered for sale in this state and enforcing those provisions of chapters 500, 501, 502, 531, 583, 585, 586, 597, and 601 relating to foods as authorized by the department. (3) Analyzing samples of foods offered for sale in this state as required under chapters 500, 501, 502, 585, 586, 597, and 601. (4) Investigating, evaluating, and developing new or improved methodology to enhance the analytical capability and efficiency of all divisional laboratories and performing other related analyses as deemed necessary. (5) Analyzing food and feed samples offered for sale in the state for chemical residues as required under the adulteration sections of chapters 500 and 580. (6) Inspecting dairy farms of the state and enforcing those provisions of chapter 502 as are authorized by the department relating to the supervision of milking operations and the rules adopted pursuant to such law. (7) Inspecting milk plants, milk product plants, and plants engaged in the manufacture and distribution of frozen desserts and frozen dessert mixes; analyzing and testing samples of milk, milk products, frozen desserts, and frozen dessert mixes which are collected by the division; and enforcing those provisions of chapter 502 as are authorized by the department. History.—s. 1, ch. 59-54; s. 9, ch. 61-407; s. 2, ch. 65-459; ss. 4, 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 4, ch. 79-122; s. 10, ch. 84-165; s. 312, ch. 92-279; ss. 32, 33, ch. 92-291; s. 55, ch. 92-326; s. 28, ch. 93-169; s. 52, ch. 2001-89; s. 8, ch. 2011-56; s. 43, ch. 2011-206; s. 91, ch. 2014-150. Note.—Former s. 570.32. 570.51 Director; qualifications; duties.— (1) The director of the Division of Food Safety shall be appointed by the commissioner to serve at the commissioner’s pleasure. (2) The director shall supervise, direct, and coordinate the activities of the division and enforce the provisions of chapters 500, 501, 502, 531, 583, 585, 597, and 601 and any other chapter necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the division. History.—s. 1, ch. 59-54; ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 50, ch. 91-220; s. 34, ch. 92-291; s. 53, ch. 2001-89; s. 44, ch. 2011-206; s. 92, ch. 2014-150. 570.53 Division of Marketing and Development; powers and duties.—The powers and duties of the Division of Marketing and Development include, but are not limited to: (1)(a) Managing the operation of all agricultural marketing facilities and managing or leasing state livestock and crop pavilions owned by the state. The department shall give first priority to those engaged in the production or sale of Florida’s agricultural products when negotiating leases for the use of agricultural marketing facilities. (b) Performing other related duties and responsibilities which are required of the department by s. 570.07(18), including authorizing the removal of a vehicle by a towing service when the vehicle is parked in a manner that restricts the normal operation of business at any such agricultural marketing facility. (2) Obtaining and disseminating current price, supply, and movement data and other such pertinent information on the agricultural economy of the state as required of the department by ss. 570.07(4) and (17) and 570.21. (3) Stimulating, encouraging, and fostering the production and consumption of agricultural products and conducting activities that may foster a be er understanding and more efficient cooperation among producers, buyers, food editors, and the consuming public in the promotion and marketing of Florida agricultural products as required of the department by s. 570.07(20). (4) Obtaining and disseminating production statistics, historical data, and other such pertinent information on the agricultural economy of the state as required of the department by ss. 570.07(4) and (17) and 570.21. (5)(a) Providing professional marketing services to the agricultural agribusiness industry. (b) Establishing and maintaining programs which will aid in the orderly marketing of agricultural products. (c) Assisting in providing efficient and effective distribution of agricultural products. (d) Developing plans and recommendations designed to support the agricultural industry in meeting its marketing needs. (e) Extending in every practicable way the distribution and sale of Florida agricultural products throughout the markets of the world as required of the department by s. 570.07(7), (8), (10), and (11) and chapters 571, 573, and 574. (6) Entering into contracts with private persons for the renovation or construction of agricultural marketing facilities. These contracts may include provisions for private financing and leaseback agreements for the recoupment of initial private investment. All schematic and conceptual construction plans shall be subject to approval by the division. The department shall promulgate rules and develop policies for using these contracts. (7) Administering the provisions of chapter 616, including the Florida State Fair Authority and other fair or exposition charters, permits, applications, fees, premiums and awards, agricultural exhibits, and youth activities, but excluding amusement ride inspection, inspection fees, and safety requirements, at public fairs and expositions, carnivals, festivals, celebrations, bazaars, permanent facilities, and parking lot still dates. History.—s. 1, ch. 59-54; s. 4, ch. 65-459; ss. 4, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 71-195; s. 5, ch. 79-122; s. 11, ch. 84-165; s. 1, ch. 85-36; s. 4, ch. 88-341; s. 1, ch. 91-253; s. 35, ch. 92-291; s. 29, ch. 93-169; s. 22, ch. 2012-190; s. 11, ch. 2016-61. 570.54 Director; duties.— (1) The director of the Division of Marketing and Development shall be appointed by the commissioner and shall serve at the commissioner’s pleasure. (2) It shall be the duty of the director of this division to supervise, direct, and coordinate the activities authorized by ss. 570.07(4), (7), (8), (10), (11), (12), (17), (18), and (20), 570.21, 534.47-534.53, and 604.15-604.34 and chapters 504, 571, 573, and 574 and to exercise other powers and authority as authorized by the department. History.—s. 1, ch. 59-54; ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 6, ch. 79-122; s. 2, ch. 85-36; s. 37, ch. 92-291; s. 30, ch. 93-169; s. 23, ch. 2012-190. 570.543 Florida Consumers’ Council.—The Florida Consumers’ Council in the department is created to advise and assist the department in carrying out its duties. (1) COMPOSITION.— (a) The council, to be appointed by the commissioner, shall not exceed 15 members, selected from the various areas of consumer interest, who are, when possible, leading members of statewide organizations representing segments of the consumer public so as to establish a broadly based and representative consumer council. At least one member of the council must be 60 years of age or older. (b) All members shall be appointed for a term of 4 years and shall serve until their successors are appointed. A vacancy shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term. (2) POWERS AND DUTIES; MEETINGS; PROCEDURES; RECORDS.—The meetings, powers and duties, procedures, and recordkeeping of the Florida Consumers’ Council shall be pursuant to s. 570.232. The council members or chair may call no more than two meetings. History.—s. 1, ch. 67-342; ss. 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 6, ch. 77-108; s. 4, ch. 78-323; ss. 1, 3, ch. 79-37; ss. 1, 3, 4, ch. 81-55; s. 1, ch. 82-46; s. 2, ch. 83- 265; s. 26, ch. 87-172; ss. 1, 2, 3, ch. 87-179; s. 5, ch. 91-429; s. 39, ch. 92-291; s. 32, ch. 93-169; s. 20, ch. 94-335; s. 898, ch. 97-103; s. 155, ch. 2010- 102; s. 45, ch. 2011-206; s. 95, ch. 2014-150. Note.—Former s. 570.282. 570.544 Division of Consumer Services; director; powers; processing of complaints; records.— (1) The director of the Division of Consumer Services shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the commissioner. (2) The director shall supervise, direct, and coordinate the activities of the division and shall, under the direction of the department, enforce the provisions of ss. 604.15-604.34 and chapters 472, 496, 501, 507, 525, 526, 527, 531, 539, 559, 616, and 849. (3) The Division of Consumer Services may: (a) Conduct studies and make analyses of ma ers affecting the interests of consumers. (b) Study the operation of laws for consumer protection. (c) Advise and make recommendations to the various state agencies concerned with ma ers affecting consumers. (d) Assist, advise, and cooperate with local, state, or federal agencies and officials in order to promote the interests of consumers. (e) Make use of the testing and laboratory facilities of the department for the detection of consumer fraud. (f) Report to the appropriate law enforcement officers any information concerning violation of consumer protection laws.

(g) Assist, develop, and conduct programs of consumer education and consumer information through publications and other informational and educational material prepared for dissemination to the public, in order to increase the competence of consumers.

(h) Organize and hold conferences on problems affecting consumers.

(i) Recommend programs to encourage business and industry to maintain high standards of honesty, fair business practices, and public responsibility in the production, promotion, and sale of consumer goods and services. (4) In addition to the powers, duties, and responsibilities authorized by this or any other chapter, the Division of Consumer Services shall serve as a clearinghouse for ma ers relating to consumer protection, consumer information, and consumer services generally. It shall receive complaints and grievances from consumers and promptly transmit them to the agency most directly concerned in order that the complaint or grievance may be expeditiously handled in the best interests of the complaining consumer. If no agency exists, the Division of Consumer Services shall seek a se lement of the complaint using formal or informal methods of mediation and conciliation and may seek any other resolution of the ma er in accordance with its jurisdiction. (5) If any complaint received by the Division of Consumer Services concerns ma ers that involve concurrent jurisdiction in more than one agency, duplicate copies of the complaint shall be referred to those offices deemed to have concurrent jurisdiction. (6)(a) Any agency, office, bureau, division, or board of state government receiving a complaint that deals with consumer fraud or consumer protection and that is not within the jurisdiction of the receiving agency, office, bureau, division, or board originally receiving it, shall immediately refer the complaint to the Division of Consumer Services. (b) Upon receipt of such a complaint, the Division of Consumer Services shall make a determination of the proper jurisdiction to which the complaint relates and shall immediately refer the complaint to the agency, office, bureau, division, or board that does have the proper regulatory or enforcement authority to deal with it. (7) The office or agency to which a complaint has been referred shall within 30 days acknowledge receipt of the complaint. If an office or agency receiving a complaint determines that the ma er presents a prima facie case for criminal prosecution or if the complaint cannot be se led at the administrative level, the complaint together with all supporting evidence shall be transmi ed to the Department of Legal Affairs or other appropriate enforcement agency with a recommendation for civil or criminal action warranted by the evidence. (8) The records of the Division of Consumer Services are public records. However, customer lists, customer names, and trade secrets are confidential and exempt from the provisions of s. 119.07(1). Disclosure necessary to enforcement procedures does not violate this prohibition. (9) The Division of Consumer Services shall maintain records and compile summaries and analyses of consumer complaints and their eventual disposition, which data may serve as a basis for recommendations to the Legislature and to state regulatory agencies. History.—s. 1, ch. 67-342; ss. 11, 14, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 2, ch. 73-124; s. 7, ch. 77-108; ss. 1, 2, ch. 78-16; s. 7, ch. 78-179; s. 1, ch. 79-37; s. 2, ch. 81- 55; s. 3, ch. 89-4; s. 3, ch. 90-323; s. 1, ch. 91-114; s. 1, ch. 92-62; s. 40, ch. 92-291; s. 33, ch. 93-169; s. 349, ch. 96-406; s. 1183, ch. 97-103; s. 50, ch. 2001-279; ss. 60, 61, ch. 2003-399; s. 11, ch. 2006-165; s. 42, ch. 2012-67; s. 12, ch. 2016-61. Note.—Former s. 570.283. 570.548 Florida Forest Service; powers and duties.—The duties of the Florida Forest Service include, but are not limited to, administering and enforcing those powers and responsibilities of the Florida Forest Service prescribed in chapters 589, 590, and 591 and rules adopted under those chapters and in other forest fire, forest protection, and forest management laws of this state. History.—s. 2, ch. 79-37; s. 12, ch. 84-165; s. 9, ch. 2011-56; s. 68, ch. 2011-206. 570.5481 Incidental Trust Fund.— (1) The Incidental Trust Fund shall be administered by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. (2) Funds to be credited to and uses of the trust fund shall be administered in accordance with ss. 125.27, 253.025, 261.12, 317.0010, 317.0016, 589.011, 589.04, 589.11, 589.277, 589.31, 590.02, 590.14, and 590.42. (3) Notwithstanding s. 216.301 and pursuant to s. 216.351, any balance in the trust fund at the end of a fiscal year shall remain in the trust fund at the end of the year and be available for carrying out the purposes of the trust fund. History.—s. 10, ch. 2014-43. 570.549 Director; duties.— (1) The director of the Florida Forest Service shall be appointed by the commissioner and shall serve at the commissioner’s pleasure. (2) The director of the Florida Forest Service shall direct and supervise the overall operation of the Florida Forest Service and exercise such other powers and duties as authorized by the department. History.—s. 2, ch. 79-37; s. 41, ch. 92-291; s. 10, ch. 2011-56; s. 69, ch. 2011-206. 570.61 Division of Aquaculture; powers and duties.—The powers and duties of the Division of Aquaculture shall include, but are not limited to, administering the aquaculture certification program; enforcing shellfish sanitation standards; administering the aquaculture and shellfish lease programs; ensuring that shellfish processing facilities comply with applicable food safety requirements; mitigating, creating, and enhancing natural shellfish harvesting areas; providing education to fishers and aquaculturists; promoting aquaculture development; purchasing commodities as necessary to carry out the provisions of this section; receiving and accepting grants, aids, gifts, and donations; providing grants, aids, and other technical assistance; and ensuring the safety of Florida waters. History.—s. 23, ch. 2000-364; s. 4, ch. 2001-66. 570.62 Director; duties.— (1) The director of the Division of Aquaculture shall be appointed by the commissioner and shall serve at the commissioner’s pleasure. (2) The director shall supervise, direct, and coordinate the activities of the division, exercise such other powers and duties as authorized by the commissioner, and enforce the provisions of chapter 597, the rules adopted thereunder, and any other chapter or rule necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the division. History.—s. 24, ch. 2000-364. 570.64 Division of Food, Nutrition, and Wellness.— (1) The duties of the Division of Food, Nutrition, and Wellness include, but are not limited to, administering and enforcing the powers and responsibilities of the division prescribed in chapter 595 and the rules adopted thereunder. (2) The director of the division shall be appointed by, and serve at the pleasure of, the commissioner. The director shall supervise, direct, and coordinate activities of the division, exercise such powers and duties as authorized by the commissioner, enforce the provisions of chapter 595 and the rules adopted thereunder, and any other powers and duties as authorized by the department. History.—s. 11, ch. 2013-226. 570.65 Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, law enforcement officers.— (1) The commissioner may create an Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement under the supervision of a senior manager exempt under s. 110.205 in the Senior Management Service. The commissioner may designate law enforcement officers, as necessary, to enforce any criminal law or conduct any criminal investigation or to enforce the provisions of any statute or any other laws of this state. Officers appointed under this section shall have the primary responsibility for enforcing laws relating to agriculture and consumer services, as outlined in this section, and have jurisdiction over violations of law which threaten the overall security and safety of this state’s agriculture and consumer services. The primary responsibilities of officers appointed under this section include the enforcement of laws relating to: (a) Domesticated animals, including livestock, poultry, aquaculture products, and other wild or domesticated animals or animal products. (b) Farms, farm equipment, livery tack, citrus or citrus products, or horticultural products. (c) Trespass, li ering, forests, forest fires, and open burning. (d) Damage to or theft of forest products. (e) Enforcement of a marketing order. (f) Protection of consumers. (g) Civil traffic offenses as provided in state law. (h) The use of alcohol or drugs which occurs on property owned, managed, or occupied by the department. (i) Any emergency situation in which the life, limb, or property of any person is placed in immediate and serious danger.

(j) Any crime incidental to or related to paragraphs (a)-(i).

(k) The responsibilities of the Commissioner of Agriculture. (2) Each law enforcement officer shall meet the qualifications of law enforcement officers under s. 943.13 and shall be certified as a law enforcement officer by the Department of Law Enforcement under the provisions of chapter 943. Upon certification, each law enforcement officer is subject to and shall have the same arrest and other authority provided for law enforcement officers generally in chapter 901 and shall have statewide jurisdiction. Each officer shall also have arrest authority as provided for state law enforcement officers in s. 901.15. Such officers have full law enforcement powers granted to other peace officers of this state, including the authority to make arrests, carry firearms, serve court process, and seize contraband and the proceeds of illegal activities. (3) The commissioner may also appoint part-time, reserve, or auxiliary law enforcement officers under chapter 943. (4) All department law enforcement officers, upon certification under s. 943.1395, shall have the same right and authority to carry arms as do the sheriffs of this state. (5) Each law enforcement officer in the state who is certified pursuant to chapter 943 has the same authority as law enforcement officers designated in this section to enforce the laws of this state as described in subsection (1). History.—s. 7, ch. 92-291; s. 5, ch. 93-169; s. 2, ch. 95-141; s. 42, ch. 98-34; s. 111, ch. 2002-20; s. 47, ch. 2002-295; s. 62, ch. 2014-150. Note.—Former s. 570.073. 570.66 Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; water policy.—The commissioner may create an Office of Agricultural Water Policy under the supervision of a senior manager exempt under s. 110.205 in the Senior Management Service. The commissioner may designate the bureaus and positions in the various organizational divisions of the department that report to the office relating to any ma er over which the department has jurisdiction in ma ers relating to water policy affecting agriculture, application of such policies, and coordination of such ma ers with state and federal agencies. The office shall enforce and implement the provisions of chapter 582 and rules relating to soil and water conservation. History.—s. 2, ch. 95-317; s. 524, ch. 2011-142; s. 35, ch. 2011-206; s. 17, ch. 2012-190; s. 63, ch. 2014-150. Note.—Former s. 570.074. 570.67 Office of Energy.—The Office of Energy is created within the department. The office shall be under the supervision of a senior manager exempt under s. 110.205 in the Senior Management Service appointed by the commissioner. The duties of the office shall include, but are not limited to, administering and enforcing parts II and III of chapter 377, the rules adopted under those parts, and any other duties authorized by the commissioner. History.—s. 98, ch. 2014-150. 570.68 Office of Agriculture Technology Services.—The commissioner may create an Office of Agriculture Technology Services under the supervision of a senior manager exempt under s. 110.205 in the Senior Management Service. The office shall provide electronic data processing and agency information technology services to support and facilitate the functions, powers, and duties of the department. History.—s. 13, ch. 2016-61. 570.681 Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park; legislative findings.—It is the finding of the Legislature that: (1) Equine and other agriculture-related industries strengthen and benefit each other with the establishment of a statewide agriculture and horse facility. (2) The Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park provides Florida with a unique tourist experience for visitors and residents, thus generating taxes and additional dollars for the state. (3) Promoting the Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park as a joint effort between the state and the private sector allows this facility to use experts and generate revenue from many areas to ensure the success of this facility. History.—s. 1, ch. 94-301; s. 107, ch. 2014-150; s. 14, ch. 2016-61. Note.—Former s. 570.951. 570.685 Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park Authority.— (1) There is created within the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services the Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park Authority which shall be governed by this section and s. 570.691. (2) The authority shall be composed of 21 members appointed by the commissioner. (a) Initially, the commissioner shall appoint 11 members for 4-year terms and 10 members for 2-year terms. Thereafter, each member shall be appointed for a term of 4 years from the date of appointment, except that a vacancy shall be filled by appointment for the remainder of the term. (b) A member of the authority who fails to a end three consecutive authority meetings without good cause shall be deemed to have resigned from the authority. (3) The Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park Authority shall: (a) Appoint, with approval from the commissioner, an executive director for the Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park. (b) Establish rules of procedure for conducting its meetings and approving ma ers before the authority pursuant to s. 570.691. (c) Develop, document, and implement strategies for the planning, construction, and operation of the Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park. (d) Advise and consult with the commissioner on ma ers related to the Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park. (e) Consider all ma ers submi ed to the authority by the commissioner. (4) The authority shall meet at least semiannually and elect a chair, a vice chair, and a secretary for 1-year terms. (a) The authority shall meet at the call of its chair, at the request of a majority of its membership, at the request of the commissioner, or at such times as may be prescribed by its rules of procedure. (b) The department may provide administrative and staff support services relating to the meetings of the authority and may provide suitable space in the offices of the department for the meetings and the storage of records of the authority. (c) In conducting its meetings, the authority shall use accepted rules of procedure. The secretary shall keep a complete record of the proceedings of each meeting, which shows the names of the members present and the actions taken. These records shall be kept on file with the department, and such records and other documents regarding ma ers within the jurisdiction of the authority shall be subject to inspection by members of the authority. History.—s. 2, ch. 94-301; s. 8, ch. 95-220; s. 7, ch. 98-396; s. 9, ch. 99-391; s. 28, ch. 2000-308; s. 17, ch. 2005-210; s. 108, ch. 2014-150; s. 15, ch. 2016-61. Note.—Former s. 570.952. 570.686 Agriculture Center and Horse Park Authority; donor identity; records; confidentiality.—The identity of a donor to the Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park Authority, if so requested by the donor in writing, is confidential and exempt from s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution and the provisions of s. 119.07(1). All other records of the authority are public records for the purposes of chapter 119. This exemption is necessary to protect the privacy of the donor and to encourage donors to make donations without being subjected to requests for moneys from other persons. History.—s. 1, ch. 94-283; s. 351, ch. 96-406; s. 109, ch. 2014-150. Note.—Former s. 570.953. 570.69 Definitions; ss. 570.69 and 570.691.—For the purpose of this section and s. 570.691: (1) “Designated program” means the departmental program which a direct-support organization has been created to support. (2) “Direct-support organization” or “organization” means an organization which is a Florida corporation not for profit incorporated under chapter 617 and approved by the department to operate for the benefit of a museum or a designated program. (3) “Museum” means the Florida Agricultural Museum, which is designated as the museum for agriculture and rural history of the State of Florida. History.—s. 12, ch. 92-151; s. 36, ch. 93-169; s. 12, ch. 2013-226; s. 102, ch. 2014-150. Note.—Former s. 570.902. 570.691 Direct-support organization.— (1) The department may authorize the establishment of direct-support organizations to provide assistance, funding, and promotional support for the museums and other programs of the department. The following provisions shall govern the creation, use, powers, and duties of the direct-support organizations: (a) The department shall enter into a memorandum or le er of agreement with the direct-support organization, which shall specify the approval of the department, the powers and duties of the direct-support organization, and rules with which the direct-support organization must comply. (b) The department may authorize, without charge, appropriate use of property, facilities, and personnel of the department by the direct-support organization. The use shall be for the approved purposes of the direct-support organization and may not be made at times or places that would unreasonably interfere with opportunities for the general public to use department facilities. (c) The department shall prescribe by agreement conditions with which the direct-support organization must comply in order to use property, facilities, or personnel of the department. Such conditions shall provide for budget and audit review and oversight by the department. (d) The department may not authorize the use of property, facilities, or personnel of the museum, department, or designated program by the direct-support organization that does not provide equal employment opportunities to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, or national origin. (2)(a) The direct-support organization may conduct programs and activities; raise funds; request and receive grants, gifts, and bequests of money; acquire, receive, hold, invest, and administer, in its own name, securities, funds, objects of value, or other property, real or personal; and make expenditures to or for the direct or indirect benefit of the museum or designated program. (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 287.025(1)(e), the direct-support organization may enter into contracts to insure property of the museum or designated programs and may insure objects or collections on loan from others in satisfying security terms of the lender. (3) The direct-support organization shall provide for an annual financial audit in accordance with s. 215.981. (4) A department employee, direct-support organization or museum employee, volunteer, or director, or designated program may not: (a) Receive a commission, fee, or financial benefit in connection with the sale or exchange of real or personal property or historical objects to the direct-support organization, the museum, or the designated program; or (b) Be a business associate of any individual, firm, or organization involved in the sale or exchange of real or personal property to the direct-support organization, the museum, or the designated program. (5) All moneys received by the direct-support organization shall be deposited into an account of the direct-support organization and shall be used by the organization in a manner consistent with the goals of the museum or designated program. (6) The identity of a donor or prospective donor who desires to remain anonymous and all information identifying such donor or prospective donor are confidential and exempt from the provisions of s. 119.07(1) and s. 24(a), Art. I of the State Constitution. (7) The Commissioner of Agriculture, or the commissioner’s designee, may serve on the board of trustees and the executive commi ee of any direct-support organization established to benefit the museum or any designated program. (8) The department may terminate its agreement with a direct-support organization at any time if the department determines that the direct-support organization no longer meets the objectives of this section. (9) Upon termination of the direct-support organization, the assets of the direct-support organization shall be distributed pursuant to its articles of incorporation or bylaws or, if not provided for, to the department. (10) This section is repealed October 1, 2019, unless reviewed and saved from repeal by the Legislature. History.—s. 13, ch. 92-151; s. 37, ch. 93-169; s. 1, ch. 95-126; s. 350, ch. 96-406; s. 1184, ch. 97-103; s. 123, ch. 2001-266; s. 11, ch. 2011-56; s. 70, ch. 2011-206; s. 13, ch. 2013-226; s. 21, ch. 2014-96; s. 103, ch. 2014-150. Note.—Former s. 570.903. 570.692 Florida Agricultural Museum.—The Florida Agricultural Museum is designated as the museum of agriculture and rural history of the State of Florida and is hereby established within the department. History.—s. 11, ch. 92-151; s. 101, ch. 2014-150. Note.—Former s. 570.901. 570.693 Florida agriculture in the classroom.—The Florida agriculture in the classroom program is hereby established within the department. The purpose of this program is to: (1) Conduct programs and activities related to collecting and producing resources and materials for agricultural education enhancement programs. (2) Establish local resource contracts to distribute teacher resources and materials. (3) Identify methods to integrate resources and materials into the classroom and provide teacher training programs. History.—s. 17, ch. 92-151; s. 104, ch. 2014-150. Note.—Former s. 570.91. PART III AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT 570.70 Legislative findings. 570.71 Conservation easements and agreements. 570.715 Conservation easement acquisition procedures. 570.73 Short title. 570.74 Definitions relating to Agricultural Economic Development Act. 570.75 Agricultural Economic Development Program; legislative intent. 570.76 Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; powers and duties. 570.77 Interaction with other economic development agencies and groups. 570.78 Agricultural economic development funding. 570.79 Adoption of rules. 570.81 Agricultural Economic Development Project Review Commi ee; powers and duties. 570.82 Agricultural Economic Development Program disaster loans and grants and aid. 570.83 Beef Market Development Act; definitions; Florida Beef Council, Inc., creation, purposes, governing board, powers, and duties; referendum on assessments imposed on gross receipts from ca le sales; payments to organizations for services; collecting and refunding assessments; vote on continuing the act; council bylaws. 570.841 Farm-to-fuel initiative. 570.843 Florida Young Farmer and Rancher Advisory Council. 570.844 Florida Young Farmer and Rancher Resource Clearinghouse. 570.85 Agritourism. 570.86 Definitions. 570.87 Agritourism participation impact on land classification. 570.88 Liability. 570.89 Posting and notification. 570.70 Legislative findings.—The Legislature finds and declares that: (1) A thriving rural economy with a strong agricultural base, healthy natural environment, and viable rural communities is an essential part of Florida. Rural areas also include the largest remaining intact ecosystems and best examples of remaining wildlife habitats as well as a majority of privately owned land targeted by local, state, and federal agencies for natural resource protection. (2) The growth of Florida’s population can result in agricultural and rural lands being converted into residential or commercial development. (3) The agricultural, rural, natural resource, and commodity values of rural lands are vital to the state’s economy, productivity, rural heritage, and quality of life. (4) The Legislature further recognizes the need for enhancing the ability of rural landowners to obtain economic value from their property, protecting rural character, controlling urban sprawl, and providing necessary open space