This thesis describes the design and construction of a portable laser induced fluorescence sensor. The objective was to create a low-cost, versatile, and modular laser induced fluorescence sensor for agricultural remote sensing. The sensor module should able to be integrated with different pieces of hardware. The objective was successfully accomplished with the creation of a sensor module that met all of the requirements. The sensor module integrates with a handheld unit for reading and visualizing the data that was constructed and is described in this work. Performance testing and experiments were carried out with the sensor module in the handheld device with a focus on plant physiology. In particular, chlorophyll fluorescence related to stress and ripeness was studied and fungal toxins found in corn were detected with this device. Ongoing work consisting of mounting the sensor module to an unmanned aerial vehicle and testing in flight is described.