Liability Limits Considered To Agritourism Operations

March 13, 2013

If injured on privately-owned agricultural land while hunting or hiking, or simply hurt while picking berries, horseback riding or otherwise hurt on a farm, you’d most likely be considered at fault under a bill advancing past its first Senate stop this week.

The Senate Agriculture Committee gave unanimous support for legislation that would reduce the liability for property owners of agricultural land against people injured while using the property for “agritourism” purposes.

The bill by Sen. Alan Hays, R-Umatilla, also prevents local governments from imposing their own regulations on agritourism, which can include dances and festivals. The provision is opposed by the League of Cities and Association of Counties.

Hays said the bill is to encourage new agritourism companies.

Sen. Maria Sachs said, while supporting the bill, existing local rules shouldn’t be eliminated as city and county leaders work with Hays and the Florida Farm Bureau on amending the bill.

“It’s an opportunity for us to use family farms to capture tourism,” said Sachs, D-Delray Beach. To acquire the limited liability, the farm owner would have to post “clearly visible” signs and have users sign contracts that warn of any potential dangers on the grounds, from the potential behavior of wild and domestic animals, hazards from natural conditions, and dangers associated with using farming and ranching equipment and facilities.

The limited liability would not cover negligence on part of professionals running the tourism activities.

Comments

One Response to “Liability Limits Considered To Agritourism Operations”

  1. Mike on March 13th, 2013 11:50 am

    I hope such a bill passes. I think such protection for farmers and land owners would serve to give them some flexibility in allowing people to enjoy using their land for hunting and other outdoor activities. Lets tell the league of cities to stay in town, and let us use our land as we wish. Good going Legislature, I hope this bill passes

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News