Cucumbers on Curtiswood? Florida Passes Front Yard Vegetable Garden Bill

Vegetable garden (Adobe)

By BRENDAN FARRINGTON
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Floridians would be able to grow fruit and vegetables in their front yards without fear of local government fines under a bill going to Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The House passed the bill 93-16 on Wednesday, nearly six weeks after the Senate passed it 35-5.

The legislation was inspired by a court battle after Miami Shores told a homeowner to dig up a vegetable garden or face a $50 a day fine. An appeals court upheld the ordinance.

Supporters said government shouldn’t interfere with the property rights of people who want to grow their own food. Opponents said the state shouldn’t interfere with local governments.

In Key Biscayne, the Village Code already has an exemption from soil erosion rules for “home gardens.” The exemption applies if home garden “activities do not contribute to any on-site generated erosion, or degradation of lands or water beyond the boundaries of the property involved.”

Tony Winton contributed to this report.