Greenbelt Agricultural
FAQ:
- What is Greenbelt? Greenbelt is a classification of different types of agricultural property, such as citrus groves, pasture, cropland, and nurseries. The greenbelt classification is a benefit that provides a lower assessment (value in use not market value) to farmers in order that they may continue to commercially farm their land.
- How much livestock do I need on my property? There is no minimum requirement; however the parcel must be a commercial agricultural operation or part of a larger commercial agricultural operation. Most agricultural activity is only profitable by taking advantage of economies of scale. It is simply not profitable to raise two cows on an acre of property; the income derived would not offset the costs of property maintenance and raising the animals.
- How Large of an Orange Grove or Pasture do I need to have? Hillsborough County does not have a minimum size guideline but there must be a viable commercial operation on the property with the expectation of a profit. Property that is too small to support a commercial agricultural business cannot be granted an agricultural classification. As mentioned in the previous question, most agricultural activity is only profitable by taking advantage of economies of scale.
- When do I need to apply for Greenbelt? Applications must be submitted to the Property Appraisers Office no later than March 1st of the year being applied for, but the operation needs to be in effect as of January 1st of that year.
Apply
The Hillsborough County Agricultural Classification Guidelines (aka Greenbelt Guidelines) is provided courtesy of Bob Henriquez, Hillsborough County Property Appraiser, and is current as of August 2024.
- Greenbelt Guidelines 2024
- How to Apply for a Greenbelt Agricultural Tax Assessment from UF/IFAS (askifas)
Other Resources