TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced this week the launch of a centralized online information hub for the state’s previously announced disaster block grant program for producers impacted by hurricanes in 2023 and 2024. The new webpage — FDACS.gov/BlockGrant — will serve as the official source for updates, eligibility criteria, and application details as they become available.
“Florida’s agriculture industry was hit hard by back-to-back hurricane seasons, and our producers need long-term, meaningful support to recover,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “This website will serve as the go-to resource for Florida’s farmers, ranchers, and growers as we develop the program and ultimately launch the application process for more than $600 million in disaster relief funding.”
Background
Florida is the first state in the nation to finalize an agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to implement this newly authorized disaster block grant program. The federal funding, which exceeds more than $600 million, represents approximately 35% of Florida’s total agricultural losses and damage from the 2023 and 2024 hurricane seasons.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), in partnership with USDA, is currently developing a federally required Work Plan that will detail the eligibility requirements, documentation standards, calculation methodologies, and application procedures for the program. Once completed, the Work Plan will be submitted to USDA for approval.
Timeline for Availability of Disaster Block Grant Funding
- Agreement executed with USDA (Complete)
- FDACS develops Work Plan (In progress)
- FDACS submits Work Plan to USDA for approval
- USDA approves Work Plan
- FDACS announces Disaster Block Grant application process for impacted producers
The block grant funding is in addition to approximately $150 million the state of Florida has allocated through FDACS’ Agricultural and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program and timber recovery program to support producers with emergency capital as they recover and rebuild from recent storms.
For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.