Letter: Photographing farm land

Dear Editor:

A bill has been introduced in the Florida Senate regarding photographing farm land.

The text describes “entering” a farm but unless it specifically excludes photographing from a public road there will be wildlife photographers and landscape photographers being charged as felons. You could conceivably be arrested on a felony charge if you photograph a hawk sitting on a wire over a hayfield.

If you’re not a Florida resident call anyway, tell them you are coming as a tourist.

Please contact Senator Norman’s office and let him know how you feel about this.

http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2011/1246

http://www.flsenate.gov/senators/s12

Section 1. (1) A person who enters onto a farm or other property where legitimate agriculture operations are being conducted without the written consent of the owner, or an authorized representative of the owner, commits a felony of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084, Florida Statutes.

(2) A person who photographs, video records, or otherwise produces images or pictorial records, digital or otherwise, at or of a farm or other property where legitimate agriculture operations are being conducted without the written consent of the owner, or an authorized representative of the owner, commits a felony of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084, Florida Statutes.

(3) As used in this section, the term “farm” includes any tract of land cultivated for the purpose of agricultural production, the raising and breeding of domestic animals, or the storage of a commodity.

Section 2. This act shall take effect July 1, 2011.

Bob Honiker
Cabbage Hammock

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News contributed photograph