The Hardee County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously on Nov. 6 to approve first reading of Ordinance 2025‑07, rezoning approximately six acres on Altman Road from R‑3 (multifamily residential) to FR (farm residential).

Jordan Eisenstein, county planner, said the parcel was created in May 2025 after a division that allowed the current owners, Mr. and Mrs. Hines, to acquire the six‑acre parcel. The owners plan to use the land for agricultural purposes and their primary residence. The parcel’s existing R‑3 zoning does not allow farm animals, so staff and the planning and zoning board recommended the rezoning to FR.

Commissioners raised questions about precedent and the potential for “spot zoning” because adjacent zoning includes agricultural A‑1 in parts of the area. Staff replied that the rezoning is consistent with the town‑center future land use designation in the area and that the FR category allows limited agricultural use without requiring a comprehensive plan amendment to the A‑1 category.

Commissioner Flores made the motion for first reading and Commissioner Wells seconded. The motion passed unanimously.