Does the city of Sarasota have regulations in place for VEO scooters?
Yes.
There are a few requirements you must meet before operating a VEO electric scooter or bike in Sarasota.
You need to be at least 18 years old, which is older than the state law for operating electric vehicles and driving cars. To verify your age before riding, you must scan your driver’s license into the VEO app.
Though you aren’t allowed to lend your vehicle to others, there aren’t features to prevent it. This can lead to some reports of underage teenagers using the vehicles. If misuse occurs, it’s up to local police to handle the situation. Operating or allowing a minor to ride is a misdemeanor charge. You could also receive account suspensions or fees from Veo.
Sarasota County is developing a policy that will provide more guidance on regulations for these devices on county-maintained roads. This follows the approval of SB 462, which makes some changes to the definition of micro-mobility devices.
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Does an old Florida farming law give certain landowners a significant tax break?
Yes.
A Florida law allows land owners to receive tax breaks on property claimed for agriculture, even when it’s slated for new development.
The 1959 Greenbelt law was designed to protect farmers, but a loophole has allowed real estate developers and other businesses to benefit by putting a few grazing cows on their empty sites.
Property owners must apply for the tax rate, with county appraisers evaluating applicants on the type of operation and income produced.
Tax breaks are awarded if appraisers determine the land meets “good faith” commercial agricultural use. Critics say the law’s broad language clutters the legal evaluation – leaving the door open for others to qualify.
Last year, Sarasota and Manatee counties lost a combined $6.6 million in potential tax revenue from Greenbelt lands owned by four real estate developers alone, according to a Suncoast Searchlight investigation in February.
This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
This story was originally published by Suncoast Searchlight, a nonprofit newsroom delivering investigative journalism to Sarasota, Manatee, and DeSoto counties. Learn more at suncoastsearchlight.org.
