Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson applauded the Florida Legislature on the passage of the 2026 Florida Farm Bill, SB 290, which aims to protect freedom, family, and farmers. The bill was sponsored by Senator Keith Truenow and Representative Danny Alvarez and is intended to support Florida’s agriculture sector, strengthen public safety, protect natural resources and rural lands, among other initiatives.
“The Florida Legislature passing the 2026 Florida Farm Bill is a major victory for Florida farmers and Florida families,” Simpson said. “Thanks to the leadership and commitment of Senate President Ben Albritton, House Speaker Daniel Perez, Senator Keith Truenow, Representative Danny Alvarez, and Representative Chad Johnson, the 2026 Florida Farm Bill supports the people who feed our state and our nation while also strengthening public safety and defending our rural lands and natural resources. Together, we’re strengthening the backbone of Florida’s economy and ensuring our state remains a place where freedom, family, and farmers can thrive,” according to Simpson.
Senator Keith Truenow said that “Florida’s agriculture industry is the foundation of our economy and our way of life. The 2026 Florida Farm Bill, thanks to the leadership of Commissioner Simpson, ensures that Florida continues to protect and support that foundation while also strengthening public safety, defending property rights, and keeping government out of the way of hardworking Floridians.” Representative Daniel Alvarez added: “When you focus on Florida, freedom, and our farmers, you’re on the right path, and that’s exactly what the 2026 Farm Bill delivers. For the fourth year in a row, I was proud to partner with Commissioner Wilton Simpson on this year’s Farm Bill because we both know that protecting those three pillars is what keeps Florida strong, secure, and truly special.”
If signed into law, provisions in the bill will include prohibiting local bans on gasoline or diesel-powered farm equipment; restricting high-density development on designated rural or conservation lands unless unanimously approved by local governments; making permanent a program directing fresh agricultural products into food banks; evaluating state-owned land for potential return to agricultural use; limiting biosolid applications to Class AA only; criminalizing cheating on commercial driver license exams; establishing penalties for door-to-door solicitation at homes with “No Solicitation” signs; creating penalties for contractors who fail to pay subcontractors or suppliers; establishing loan repayment programs for veterinarians treating food animals or equine in-state; and making it illegal to possess or use signal jamming devices.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services secures funding through state budgets as well as programs like Rural and Family Lands Protection Program which has received over $700 million since 2022. The department promotes agritourism through initiatives such as Florida Farm To You connecting producers with consumers. It operates facilities like Withlacoochee Training Center in Brooksville for wildfire education. Honors including the Agricultural Hall of Fame are administered by FDACS. The agency functions as part of state government linked to the Cabinet structure. FDACS works toward advancing agriculture statewide while safeguarding environmental quality standards.
Further details about Commissioner Simpson’s work are available as listed on the official roster page.
