TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson is highlighting the Florida Farm Bill and its proposal to protect Florida’s farmers and hunters from drone harassment. The proposal will prohibit the drones on designated agricultural lands designated without the property owner’s approval and will prohibit drones on or near private property, state-hunting lands, or shooting ranges with the intent to harass.
“Florida’s farmers, ranchers and hunters are facing increasing harassment from drones, whether it’s interfering with farm operations, harassing livestock or disrupting lawful hunting and shooting activities,” Simpson said. “The Florida Farm Bill takes a strong stand to protect the rights of those who feed our families and manage our natural resources from coordinated and intentional harassment.”
What Legislative Leaders Are Saying
Senator Keith Truenow said, “Florida’s farmers, ranchers and hunters should not have to worry about being harassed by drones while they are simply going about their work or enjoying our great outdoors. I am proud to stand with Florida’s agriculture and hunting communities and commend Commissioner Wilton Simpson for supporting clear protections to prevent bad actors from using drones to disrupt lawful activities.”
Representative Kaylee Tuck said, “The radical left and animal rights activists have long sought to harass and intimidate Florida’s farmers, ranchers and hunters. Commissioner Wilton Simpson understands the importance of standing up for our way of life, and this bill ensures that property rights and hunting rights are protected from aerial surveillance and harassment. I’m proud to sponsor this legislation alongside Senator Truenow.”
The Florida Farm Bill will also support Florida agriculture by prohibiting ESG lending practices targeting agricultural producers; increasing emergency preparedness; supporting FFA and 4-H programs; and expanding consumer protections and transparency across several regulated industries.
The legislation will introduce several proposals across the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (FDACS) variety of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: preserving Florida’s working agricultural lands, protecting the future of Florida’s agricultural industry, reducing the burden on Florida farmers, reloading Florida’s commitment to the Second Amendment, increasing Florida’s emergency preparedness, supporting Florida’s consumers and educating Florida’s future.