Florida Citrus Mutual (FCM) recently announced its “key advocacy efforts” during the upcoming state legislative session include the following:
CITRUS RESEARCH AND FIELD TRIAL (CRAFT) FUNDS
The top priority for FCM this legislative session is securing funding to bolster the CRAFT Foundation’s efforts to replant citrus trees. Putting healthier trees in the ground that are apt to be tolerant against citrus greening disease is essential to restoring production and strengthening the infrastructure of Florida’s iconic citrus industry.
RURAL RENAISSANCE
Senate President Ben Albritton unveiled his priority Rural Renaissance legislation recently. Senate Bill 110, sponsored by Sen. Corey Simon, increases support for rural communities. Efforts include increasing support and rural community partnerships, maximizing rural housing options, enhancing rural transportation and broadband infrastructure, improving education opportunities in rural communities and expanding access to health care. Florida’s citrus industry has built many rural Florida communities, and this legislation aims to help ensure their growth and sustainability.
FLORIDA FARM BILL
The 2025 Florida Farm Bill, announced recently by Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson and sponsored by Sen. Keith Truenow and Rep. Kaylee Tuck, aims to protect, preserve and grow Florida agriculture. The proposed bills (Senate Bill 700 and House Bill 651) address agricultural land classification, prevent unmanned aircraft systems from disturbing agricultural lands and include other measures to protect the industry.
WORKFORCE HOUSING
As part of Florida agriculture’s ongoing efforts to secure a stable, legal agricultural workforce, legislation on housing for legally verified agricultural workers is expected to be in play, which would address some of the barriers Florida citrus growers face in securing housing for H-2A seasonal workers.
AD VALOREM TAX EXEMPTION
On Feb. 18, the Senate Committee on Agriculture heard Senate Bill 318: Ad Valorem Tax Exemption. This legislation proposes an exemption for tangible personal property on agricultural land used in agricultural production or agritourism as long as the following three criteria are met: the property must be classified as agricultural land, used for the production of agriculture products or agritourism, and owned by a landowner or leaseholder of agriculture land.
Source: Florida Citrus Mutual
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