Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson applauded the Florida Legislature for passing the Florida Farm Bill (SB 700), the most comprehensive agriculture-focused legislation in the state’s history. Sponsored by Senator Keith Truenow and Representatives Kaylee Tuck and Danny Alvarez, the legislation was passed with strong support from both chambers, delivering sweeping reforms that protect farmland from development, invest in agricultural education, provide agricultural disaster recovery resources, preserve private property rights and much more.
“This is one of the most significant legislative victories for Florida agriculture in a generation,” said Simpson. “We’re defending our farmers from ESG-driven financial discrimination. We’re securing farmland for future generations and protecting property owners from drone harassment. We’re expanding disaster assistance for our food producers. We’re putting proven science behind agricultural water-quality efforts and investing in the young people who will carry this industry forward through FFA and 4-H. We’re combating illegal immigration by creating strict legal worker eligibility requirements for farmworker housing. This bill is a long-term commitment to Florida agriculture, and I thank Senator Truenow, Representative Tuck and Representative Alvarez for delivering this historic bill.”
Key agricultural provisions of the Florida Farm Bill include:
- Prohibiting financial institutions from discriminating against agricultural producers based on environmental policies or set emission targets
- Enhancing disaster-recovery programs for agricultural producers impacted by hurricanes and natural disasters
- Providing the state with the ability to return solar fields back into agricultural production
- Prohibiting the use of drones on or near agricultural lands.
- Prohibiting local governments from banning housing for legally verified agricultural workers on bona fide farms
- To combat illegal immigration, creates strict legal worker eligibility requirements for farmworker housing and establishes penalties for violations
- Expanding the use of proven best management practices for small farms to protect water resources
- Protecting 4-H and FFA programs in schools from local governments’ zoning laws by ensuring programs can have agriculture facilities on school property
- Supporting FFA participation through scholarships for annual dues and educational opportunities
Source: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
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