AGRICULTURAL CLASSIFICATION GUIDELINES
 
 

 

SEMINOLE COUNTY GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR AGRICULTURAL CLASSIFICATION OF LANDS

 

These guidelines, while specific, are still "guidelines." The granting or denying of a particular application for agricultural classification is a decision made after analyzing the entirety of the relevant facts and circumstances surrounding the viability of the particular agricultural operation as a commercial entity, rather than on a specific point.  These guidelines are to be used in conjunction with Florida Statute 193.461.  The following list may not include all the guidelines.  No final decision will be made on an application for an agricultural classification until all information relating to the application has been submitted and reviewed, the property has been inspected, and a final analysis of the factors set forth in Florida Statute 193.461 has been performed in relation to the specific facts and circumstances disclosed by such information and inspection.  Under no circumstances shall an agricultural classification be promised to a taxpayer prior to completion of this final analysis.  No taxpayer should believe or understand that his or her property will be granted an agricultural classification until such time as a final decision has been issued by the Property Appraiser’s Office pursuant to Florida Statute 193.461.

  


 

 

 

 CLASSIFICATION

 

 

PASTURE LAND


HAY PRODUCTION


ROW CROPS (VEGETABLES, BEANS, ETC.)


CITRUS


TIMBERLAND


NURSERY


MISCELLANEOUS AGRICULTURE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PASTURE LAND

  • Should be at least 5 acres or used in conjunction with other parcels of a larger agricultural operation.
  • Property must be fenced.
  • An indicated effort has been made to maintain and care sufficiently and adequately for this type of land, i.e. fertilizing, liming, tilling, mowing, etc.
  • In regard to livestock in relation to the size of a parcel: one cow, on one acre parcel cannot be construed as a commercial operation, while 70 cows on 100 acres could be. The capability of the soil is considered as to the carrying capacity for the livestock for each parcel.  Consideration will be given as to the equipment and facilities used for livestock maintenance, i.e. cowpens, feeders, cross fencing etc.
  • Specialty livestock shall be considered on a case by case basis.
  • Production of livestock for your own use does not qualify. 
  •  If any licenses, permits, or agricultural certificates are required by Federal, State, or local governments, they should be submitted.
  • If property is leased, the lease must be in effect as of January 1st.  A current copy of the lease must be furnished with the application.
  • While the above standards are specific, not satisfying one or more does not necessarily preclude granting of the agricultural classification. To make a determination of bona fide agricultural use, all factors will be considered on a case by case basis.

 

 

HAY PRODUCTION

 

·        Hay fields should be at least 5 acres or used in conjunction with other parcels of a larger agricultural operation.

·        An indicated effort has been made to maintain and care sufficiently and adequately for this type of land, i.e. fertilizing, liming, tilling, mowing, weeding etc. Best Management Practices should be used.

·        If any licenses, permits, or agricultural certificates are required by Federal, State, or local governments, they should be submitted.

·        While the above standards are specific, not satisfying one or more does not necessarily preclude granting of the agricultural classification. To make a determination of bona fide agricultural use, all factors will be considered on a case by case basis.

 

ROW CROPS (VEGETABLES, BEANS, ETC.)

  • Should be at least 5 acres or used in conjunction with other parcels of a larger agricultural operation.
  • Production of crops for own use does not qualify, i.e. garden.
  • If property is leased, the lease must be in effect as of January 1st.  A current copy of the lease must be furnished with the application.
  • Specialty crops will be handled on a case by case basis.
  • An indicated effort should be used to maintain and care sufficiently and adequately for the land. Best Management Practices should be used.
  • If any licenses, permits, or agricultural certificates are required by Federal, State, or local governments, they should be submitted.
  • While the above standards are specific, not satisfying one or more does not necessarily preclude granting of the agricultural classification. To make a determination of bona fide agricultural use, all factors will be considered on a case by case basis.

 

CITRUS

 

·        Groves should be at least 5 acres or used in conjunction with a larger agricultural operation.

·        Land must be planted by January 1ST.

·        The number of trees per acre, variety of citrus and the effective age of the trees is to be submitted with the application.

·        Proper care and management of the grove must be evident and records provided upon request. Best Management Practices should be used.

·        Specialty groves and organic operations will be evaluated on a case by case basis.

·        If any licenses, permits, or agricultural certificates are required by Federal, State, or local governments, they should be submitted.

·        While the above standards are specific, not satisfying one or more does not necessarily preclude granting of the agricultural classification. To make a determination of bona fide agricultural use, all factors will be considered on a case by case basis.

 

TIMBERLAND

  • Should be at least 20 acres of planted pines or predominately natural stand of pines or used in conjunction with other parcels.
  • Approval will be based on the merchantability of the timber on the tract and whether or not there has been sufficient management of the timber, i.e. fire lanes, under brushing and reforesting.
  • A forestry management plan should be implemented and a copy submitted with the application.
  • Smaller tracts used for Christmas tree production will be considered nursery lands.

·   If any licenses, permits, or agricultural certificates are required by Federal, State, or local governments, they should be submitted.

  • While the above standards are specific, not satisfying one or more does not necessarily preclude granting of the agricultural classification. To make a determination of bona fide agricultural use, all factors will be considered on a case by case basis.

 

NURSERY

  • Types of Nurseries include In Ground (Ornamental), Container (In Pots), Greenhouse, and Tree Nursery (Christmas Trees*).

  • Should be at least 1 acre or used in conjunction with other parcels.

  • Nurseries should have a state agricultural certificate and occupational license.

  • Only areas actually used for the nursery and service area shall be classified.

  • While the above standards are specific, not satisfying one or more does not necessarily preclude granting of the agricultural classification. To make a determination of bona fide agricultural use, all factors will be considered on a case by case basis.

 

*State agricultural certificate not required for this type.

 

MISCELLANEOUS AGRICULTURE

  • Poultry, swine, apiaries, fish hatcheries, exotic fruits, emus, etc. will be handled on a case by case basis.
  • If any licenses, permits, or agricultural certificates are required by Federal, State, or local governments, they should be submitted.
  • While the above standards are specific, not satisfying one or more does not necessarily preclude granting of the agricultural classification. To make a determination of bona fide agricultural use, all factors will be considered on a case by case basis.