February 2025
Commissioner Wilton Simpson today announced legislation that would strengthen Florida agriculture, a $180 billion industry that supports 2.5 million jobs and provides the food, fiber and foliage Americans depend on.
The Florida Ag Coalition Chairman Jim Spratt and its members expressed thanks to Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, Senator Keith Truenow and Representative Kaylee Tuck for proposing legislation that will expand conservation efforts, strengthen rural communities and support hurricane recovery.
“Thank you, Commissioner Simpson, Senator Keith Truenow and Representative Kaylee Tuck for putting forth this crucial piece of legislation to bolster Florida’s agriculture industry, which contributes $180 billion to Florida’s economy annually,” said Jim Spratt, chairman of the Florida Ag Coalition. “The Florida Farm Bill tackles a number of priorities that support farmers, ranchers and growers to ensure a strong future for Florida agriculture. The Florida Ag Coalition and its members proudly support these efforts.”
“We appreciate Commissioner Simpson’s leadership and dedication to Florida agriculture and for championing legislation this session that seeks solutions to some of the challenges facing the industry across the state,” said Mike Joyner, president, Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association.
“The Florida Farm Bill aims to strengthen the broader agriculture industry, which is the backbone of our state’s economy and rural communities,” said Geno Evans, Florida Aquaculture Association board president. “Thanks to Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson and FDACS, this legislation will help ensure that Florida’s seafood and aquaculture producers can continue to grow, innovate and contribute to our state’s economy and national food security.”
“Florida forestry provides vital environmental benefits to our state. It improves water quality and quantity, filters the air, and creates wildlife habitat, among other services. It also contributes to the Sunshine State’s economy and workforce,” said Alan Shelby, executive vice president of the Florida Forestry Association. “We appreciate Commissioner Wilton Simpson and FDACS for championing this legislation to preserve Florida’s natural resources for future generations.”
“Aquaculture reseeding – restocking shellfish into Florida’s waters – keeps Florida’s ecosystems healthy, strengthens the aquaculture industry and bolsters our state’s economy and workforce. Recent hurricanes have wiped out our shellfish population so reseeding is much-needed. We’re proud to support these efforts through the Florida Farm Bill and appreciate Commissioner Simpson’s commitment to protecting our state’s agricultural future,” said Adrianne Johnson, executive director of the Florida Shellfish Aquaculture Association.
“Conservation of Florida’s agricultural lands is critical to the longevity and health of our beautiful state — affecting the environment, economy and our food security,” said Dale Carlton, president of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association (FCA). “We are grateful to Commissioner Simpson and FDACS for promoting legislation that supports responsible land stewardship in Florida.”
“The Florida Farm Bill aims to support the growers and businesses that enhance Florida’s landscape and economy,” said Tal Coley, president of the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association. “As a national leader in nursery and greenhouse production, our state’s horticulture and landscape sector showcases innovation and quality, and we strive to build upon that strength in the years to come. We are grateful for Commissioner Simpson’s leadership and to FDACS for advocating for this legislation to support our nurseries, growers and landscapers.”
“The Florida Farm Bureau is proud to support the Florida Farm Bill, which aims to further our mission of protecting our nation’s domestic food production and our state’s natural resources,” said Jeb Smith, president of Florida Farm Bureau. “This legislation will help ensure our farmers, ranchers and growers can thrive and continue making significant contributions to the state’s economy. Many thanks to Commissioner Simpson for his leadership and commitment to advancing policies and investments that strengthen and sustain Florida’s agriculture industry.”
“Citrus is a cornerstone of Florida’s agriculture industry but has faced significant challenges as a result of citrus greening and back-to-back hurricanes. The Florida Farm Bill is vital to its future and Commissioner Simpson’s proactive leadership in introducing this legislation underscores his commitment to the agriculture industry’s long-term success,” said Matt Joyner, executive vice president and CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual.
“We applaud Commissioner Simpson for advocating for this strategic legislation that empowers working agricultural landowners to continue their longstanding stewardship of our state’s natural resources for generations to come,” said Ernie Barnett, executive director of the Florida Land Council.
Florida’s dairy farmers are essential to providing fresh, locally-produced dairy that consumers across Florida and the nation enjoy,” said Ray Hodge, executive director of United Dairy Farmers of Florida. “We thank Commissioner Simpson for his leadership in addressing many of our industry’s needs through the Florida Farm Bill, which will support a bright economic future across the state’s agriculture industry and a continued source of dairy for families and consumers statewide.”
Commissioner Simpson’s Florida Farm Bill proposes:
Preserving Florida’s Working Agricultural Lands
- Returning the decision for solar farms on agricultural land to local government. Clarifies tax structure to incentivize dual use of solar farms with working agriculture.
Protecting the Future of Florida’s Agricultural Industry
- Prohibiting financial institutions from discriminating against agricultural producers based on environmental policies or set emission targets.
Reducing the Burden on Florida Farmers
- Providing the opportunity for Floridians to vote on a total exemption of tangible personal property taxes on property classified as agricultural.
- Exempting agricultural materials used in the process of enrolling in, implementing, and maintaining best management practices from taxes imposed under Chapter 212.
Reloading Florida’s Commitment to the Second Amendment
- Updating Florida’s concealed weapon licenses process to eliminate red tape and delays for gun owners.
Increasing Florida’s Emergency Preparedness
- Supporting a reliable and available fuel supply during emergencies through a retail fuel registration program.
- Establishing a grant program for fiscally constrained counties and areas along evacuation routes to purchase generator power switches for fuel stations.
Supporting Florida Consumers
- Creating an “Honest Services Registry,” which will feature charitable organizations that do not solicit or include funds from foreign countries of concern.
- Prohibiting charities from registering with FDACS to solicit charitable contributions if they engage in political activities and have failed to register with the Florida Department of State.
- Prohibiting the mislabeling of plant-based products as “milk” or “meat.”
- Requiring businesses to clearly mark prices on all items and eliminating outdated law that allowed for pricing to be optional.
- Eliminating the loophole for the sale of psychedelic mushrooms.
- Creating a state felony for stealing checks out of mailboxes from Florida homes and businesses.
Educating Florida’s Future
- Protecting 4-H and FFA programs in local schools from local governments’ zoning laws by ensuring local programs can have agriculture facilities on school property.
Learn more: Commissioner Wilton Simpson Announces 2025 Florida Farm Bill