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**Press Release**
COMMISSIONER WILTON SIMPSON'S "FLORIDA FARM BILL" PASSES FLORIDA LEGISLATURE
Legislation To Strengthen Florida Ag Passes Both Chambers, Industry Leaders Remain Hopeful For Governor's Approval
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APRIL 29, 2025
CONTACT: Leigh McGowan
(334) 618-7117
Tallahassee, FL – The Florida Ag Coalition applauds the passage of Senate Bill 700, also known as the Florida Farm Bill, in the Florida Legislature today. This is a promising step forward for the future of Florida's agricultural industry.
As this legislation heads to Governor DeSantis's desk for his signature, the Florida Ag Coalition and its members are grateful for Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, Senate President Ben Albritton, Speaker Danny Perez, and its sponsors Agriculture Committee Chair Keith Truenow and Representative Kaylee Tuck. The passage of this legislation demonstrates that the Florida Legislature recognizes the importance of agriculture in the Sunshine State and its commitment to supporting Florida agriculture farmers, ranchers and growers:
"The Florida Farm Bill’s passage in the Legislature safeguards working agricultural lands, prohibits ESG lending practices and reduces tax burdens to support Florida's farmers, ranchers and growers," said Jim Spratt, chairman of the Florida Ag Coalition. "The Florida Ag Coalition proudly commends Commissioner Simpson, Senate President Albritton, Speaker Perez, Senator Truenow and Representative Tuck and all members who worked on this great bill for advancing this legislation and for their unwavering support of Florida agriculture."
“Agriculture is the backbone of Florida’s economy and contributes significantly to our national security by producing the food, fiber and foliage we rely on – all made possible by our hard-working farmers, ranchers and growers. By addressing critical needs like workforce housing for legally verified agricultural workers, the Florida Farm Bill helps sustain a stable agricultural workforce," said Jeb Smith, president of the Florida Farm Bureau Federation. "We applaud Commissioner Simpson, Senate President Albritton, Speaker Perez, Senator Truenow and Representative Tuck for prioritizing the Florida Farm Bill.”
"FNGLA thanks Commissioner Simpson, Senate President Albritton, Speaker Perez, Senator Truenow and Representative Tuck for their strong support of the Florida Farm Bill. This legislation delivers tangible benefits for Florida nursery growers and landscapers—expanding agricultural workforce housing and boosting fuel access during a state of emergency to ensure the resilience of our industry," said Tal Coley, CEO, Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association.
“The Florida Farm Bill provides solutions to agricultural challenges across the state – including standardizing the permitting process for producers to secure workforce housing for legally verified agricultural workers – and helps ensure our growers remain viable while growing food to help feed the nation,” said Mike Joyner, president, Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association. "We are grateful for the leadership and dedication of Commissioner Simpson, Senator Truenow and Representatives Tuck and Alvarez in supporting Florida agriculture and championing this legislation."
"The Florida Forestry Association thanks Commissioner Simpson, Senate President Albritton, Speaker Perez, Senator Truenow and Representative Tuck for advocating for the Florida Farm Bill," said Alan Shelby, executive vice president of the Florida Forestry Association. "The Silviculture Emergency Recovery Program created in this legislation will go far in helping forestland owners recover after hurricanes and other disasters."
"The Florida Legislature has shown its understanding of the importance of Florida’s natural resources through the passage of the Florida Farm Bill," said Ernie Barnett, executive director of the Florida Land Council. "Through the leadership of Commissioner Simpson, Senate President Albritton, Speaker Perez, Senator Truenow and Representative Tuck, this legislation empowers agricultural landowners to steward Florida’s natural resources now and for generations to come."
"The Legislature’s passage of the Florida Farm Bill reflects our leaders’ commitment to bolstering the Sunshine State's agriculture industry and, in turn, supporting the resilience of the citrus sector. Florida’s citrus growers appreciate the leadership of Commissioner Simpson, Senate President Albritton, Speaker Perez, Senator Truenow and Representative Tuck in championing Florida agriculture,” said Matt Joyner, executive vice president and CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual.
The Florida Farm Bill aims to strengthen our dairy industry by safeguarding its infrastructure, protecting its rural lands and sustaining its heritage," said Ray Hodge, executive director of United Dairy Farmers of Florida. "The leadership of Commissioner Simpson, Senate President Albritton, Speaker Perez, Senator Truenow, and Representative Tuck has been instrumental in successfully driving this bill across the finish line."
“We thank Commissioner Simpson, Senate President Albritton, Speaker Perez, Senator Truenow and Representative Tuck for backing the Florida Farm Bill. This legislation provides another tool to support Florida’s agritourism operators,” said Lena Juarez, executive director of the Florida Agritourism Association.
"The Florida Farm Bill elevates Florida’s cattle industry through provisions to allow for continued funding for necessary research and promotion and to protect vital rural lands," said Dale Carlton, president of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association. "Florida’s cattlemen recognize Commissioner Simpson, Senate President Albritton, Speaker Perez, Senator Truenow and Representative Tuck for their commitment to ensuring the passage of this legislation.”
“Thanks to the leadership of Commissioner Simpson, Senate President Albritton, Speaker Perez, Senator Truenow and Representative Tuck, the Legislature’s passage of the Florida Farm Bill marks a vital step toward strengthening Florida agriculture and supporting the state’s aquaculture producers," said Geno Evans, president of the Florida Aquaculture Association.
“The Florida Farm Bill helps shellfish aquaculture farmers by supporting the development and marketing of Florida’s agriculture industry and ensures farmers can produce sustainable seafood following emergencies through the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Emergency Recovery Loan Program," said Adrianne Johnson, executive director of the Florida Shellfish Aquaculture Association. "Thank you, Commissioner Simpson, Senate President Albritton, Speaker Perez, Senator Truenow and Representative Tuck, for fighting for the future of Florida aquaculture in the Sunshine State.”
"The Florida Farm Bill provides meaningful support for Florida's egg producers. Many thanks to Commissioner Simpson and Florida's legislative leaders for recognizing the essential role eggs and poultry, and the broader agriculture industry, play in Florida's food supply and economy," said Nancy Stephens, executive director of the Florida Poultry Federation.
Key agricultural reforms in the Florida Farm Bill include:
Protecting Farmers from ESG Lending Discrimination: Prohibiting financial institutions from discriminating against agricultural producers based on environmental policies or set emission targets.
Supporting Farmers Impacted by Natural Disasters: Enhancing disaster recovery programs for agricultural producers impacted by hurricanes and natural disasters.
Protecting Florida’s Working Agricultural Lands: Providing the state with the ability to return solar fields back into agricultural production. Prohibiting the use of drones on or near agricultural lands.
Supporting Agricultural Workforce Housing: 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.
Putting Science and Accountability Behind Water Quality: Expanding the use of proven Best Management Practices (BMPs) for small farms to protect our water resources.
Educating Florida’s Future Farmers: 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. Supporting FFA participation through scholarships for annual dues and educational opportunities.
ABOUT THE FLORIDA AG COALITION
The Florida Ag Coalition is comprised of more than two dozen groups that represent thousands of farmers, growers and ranchers all across Florida – from timberlands and cattle ranches to vegetable and horticulture farms. Every one of Florida’s 300 commodities and every corner of the Sunshine State are represented in the Florida Ag Coalition. For more information, visit FloridaAgCoalition.com.
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