SEBRING, Fla. — Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson joined Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida legislative leaders, and agriculture industry champions in Highlands County this week as the 2026 Florida Farm Bill was officially signed into law.
Sponsored by Senator Keith Truenow and Representative Danny Alvarez, Senate Bill 290 delivers major victories for Florida’s farmers, ranchers, fishers, families, and rural communities.
Commissioner Wilton Simpson
“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.”
Senate President Ben Albritton
Senate President Ben Albritton said, “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.”
Senator Keith Truenow
Senator Keith Truenow said, “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.”
Initiatives
The 2026 Florida Farm Bill includes a broad range of initiatives. Some include:
- 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.