Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced on June 21 that the 2026 Florida Farm Bill was signed into law in Highlands County, joined by Governor Ron DeSantis, legislative leaders, and agriculture industry representatives. The bill, sponsored by Senator Keith Truenow and Representative Danny Alvarez as Senate Bill 290, introduces several measures aimed at supporting farmers, ranchers, fishers, families, and rural communities.
“The Free State of Florida just delivered another major win for the people who feed our state and our nation,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “With the legislative leaders’ hard work this session and Governor DeSantis’ signature, the 2026 Florida Farm Bill is now law – protecting our farmers from government overreach, strengthening public safety, and preserving our natural resources and rural lands. I’m proud to stand alongside strong conservative leaders who understand that when you fight for freedom, family, and farmers, you’re fighting for Florida’s future.” According to the official website of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), the agency works to advance Florida agriculture, safeguard the environment and consumers, and maintain food safety and quality standards.
Senate President Ben Albritton said that “Florida’s farm families are at the heart of our rural communities, and this bill honors their contributions. Programs like Farmers Feeding Florida are a real expression of our values: helping neighbors in need and lifting up families with fresh, wholesome food. This legislation is another step toward the rural renaissance our state deserves, where opportunity thrives and our heritage is protected.” House Speaker Daniel Perez said that “In the Florida House, our priority has been clear: serve the people of Florida with responsible policy that safeguards families and strengthens our economy. The Florida Farm Bill reflects that mission by supporting agriculture, expanding opportunity, and making commonsense reforms that benefit everyday Floridians.”
The new law includes initiatives such as 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 supplying fresh agricultural products to food banks; allowing certain state-purchased lands to return to agricultural use; limiting biosolid applications to those treated for highest pathogen removal; establishing penalties related to commercial driver license exam cheating; prohibiting door-to-door solicitation at homes displaying “No Solicitation” signs; creating a suspended vendor list for contractors failing payment obligations; launching a loan repayment program for veterinarians treating food animals or equine in-state; and criminalizing possession or use of signal jamming devices.
Senator Keith Truenow said that “This bill keeps government out of the way and lets Florida farmers do what they do best: produce for our state and country. I’m proud to work alongside Commissioner Simpson and my fellow bill sponsor in the Florida House, Representative Alvarez, to deliver laws that strengthen our communities and back the people who feed Florida.” Representative Danny Alvarez added: “When you focus on Florida, freedom, and our farmers, you get results. This Farm Bill cuts regulations that slow us down, protects families, and ensures our agricultural workforce has what it needs to keep Florida strong. I’m proud to partner with Commissioner Simpson once again on this important work.”
The FDACS secures funding through state budgets as well as programs like Rural & Family Lands Protection Program—which has received over $700 million since 2022—and promotes agritourism through initiatives such as Farm To You connecting producers with consumers according to its official website. The department also operates facilities including Withlacoochee Training Center in Brooksville for wildfire education purposes while administering honors like Agricultural Hall of Fame awards as indicated on its site.
For more information about Commissioner Simpson or details about these programs visit the official roster page.
