Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, Sen. Keith Truenow and Rep. Kaylee Tuck announced the 2025 Florida Farm Bill. Sponsored by Truenow and Tuck, the legislation will prohibit ESG (environmental, social and governance) lending practices targeting agricultural producers, increase emergency preparedness, support FFA and 4-H programs, expand consumer protections and transparency across a number of regulated industries, and more.
The legislation introduces a number of proposals involving the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (FDACS) duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to the following items.
PRESERVING WORKING AGRICULTURAL LANDS
The Florida Farm Bill returns the decision for solar farms on agricultural land to local government. It clarifies tax structure to incentivize dual use of solar farms with working agriculture.
PROTECTING AG’S FUTURE
The legislationprohibits financial institutions from discriminating against agricultural producers based on environmental policies or set emission targets.
REDUCING THE BURDEN ON FARMERS
The billprovides the opportunity for Floridians to vote on a total exemption of tangible personal property taxes on property classified as agricultural. It also exempts agricultural materials used in the process of enrolling in, implementing and maintaining best management practices from taxes imposed under Chapter 212.
COMMITTING TO THE SECOND AMENDMENT
The legislation updates Florida’s concealed weapon licensing process to eliminate red tape and delays for gun owners.
INCREASING EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
The bill supports a reliable and available fuel supply during emergencies through a retail fuel registration program. It also establishes a grant program for fiscally constrained counties and areas along evacuation routes to purchase generator power switches for fuel stations.
EDUCATING THE FUTURE
The farm bill protects 4-H and FFA programs in schools from local governments’ zoning laws by ensuring programs can have agriculture facilities on school property.
“By standing up to overreach and ensuring our agricultural community thrives, we are preserving our state’s heritage and safeguarding its future,” Simpson said.
“This bill is about standing up for common-sense policies that protect our agricultural lands, support local businesses, and ensure Florida remains a leader in agriculture,” Truenow said.
Tuck added, “By safeguarding our farmers and ranchers from discriminatory lending practices and bolstering consumer protections, we are ensuring a brighter, more secure future for Florida agriculture.”
Source: FDACS
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