TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson applauded the Florida Legislature this week for passing the historic 2026 Florida Farm Bill, SB 290, that will protect freedom, family and farmers.
The 2026 Florida Farm Bill, sponsored by Senator Keith Truenow and Representative Danny Alvarez, supports and defends Florida agriculture and Florida’s farmers, ranchers, and growers; strengthens public safety; protects natural resources and rural lands; and much more.
“The Florida Legislature passing the 2026 Florida Farm Bill is a major victory for Florida farmers and Florida families,” said Simpson.
“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.”
If signed into law, the 2026 Florida Farm Bill will introduce many initiatives across the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ wide range of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to:
Bill Benefits
- Defending Floridians’ Freedom to Use Gasoline-Powered Farm and Lawn Care Equipment
Defending the freedom of Florida’s farmers, ranchers, and residents to use the farm and lawn care equipment of their choosing by prohibiting counties and municipalities from banning the use of gasoline or diesel-powered farm and landscape equipment. - Protecting Natural Lands from High-density Development
Protecting our small, rural communities by prohibiting, unless unanimously approved by the local government, high-density development on lands designated as rural, conservation or greenspace in a local comprehensive plan. - Making the Farmers Feeding Florida Program Permanent
Making permanent the program that directs fresh, Florida agricultural products into food banks to provide additional healthy food options for those in need. - Promoting More Agricultural Land to Grow Florida’s Domestic Food Supply
Allowing the state to determine if there are lands purchased since 2024 that can be surplused and put back into agricultural production to protect our domestic food supply.
For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.