Florida’s agricultural future transformed as Wilton Simpson celebrates the historic signing of the 2025 Farm Bill with Governor DeSantis and legislative leaders
Dade City, Florida – In a historic moment for Florida agriculture, Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, alongside Governor Ron DeSantis, legislative leaders, and agriculture industry partners, celebrated the signing of the 2025 Florida Farm Bill (SB 700), marking a groundbreaking achievement for the state’s farming community and consumers alike.
The event, held today in Dade City, witnessed the unification of the state’s top leaders in support of a bill that promises to shape the future of Florida’s agricultural landscape. Known for its sweeping reforms, the bill introduces pro-farmer, pro-family, and pro-freedom measures that stand as a testament to Florida’s commitment to supporting its farmers and defending core freedoms.
“The 2025 Florida Farm Bill is the most comprehensive agriculture and consumer protection bill in Florida’s history, passed by the most conservative legislative leaders in the country,” stated Commissioner Simpson. His words were filled with pride and determination, reflecting the significance of this legislation. “While other states are attacking farmers and ranchers, Florida is defending the rights of our farmers, protecting families from forced medication, and putting America First by keeping foreign influence out of our land and charities. This is what real conservative leadership looks like — unapologetic, fearless, and focused on family, freedom, and food security.”
The bill, which passed with robust bipartisan support, includes several key provisions aimed at securing the future of Florida’s agricultural industry, fortifying consumer protections, and bolstering the rights of citizens. Simpson thanked Senate President Ben Albritton, House Speaker Daniel Perez, and other legislative champions, including Senator Keith Truenow and Representatives Kaylee Tuck and Danny Alvarez, for their instrumental roles in getting the bill across the finish line.
The 2025 Florida Farm Bill is the most extensive legislative package ever enacted for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). It addresses nearly every aspect of the department’s responsibilities, from enhancing agricultural resilience to defending against foreign interference, strengthening food safety and labeling transparency, and ensuring robust protections for farmers against discriminatory practices such as environmental, social, and governance (ESG) lending.
One of the bill’s standout provisions is its ban on medical additives, including fluoride, in public water systems. This decision has generated significant attention, with many praising it as a victory for health-conscious consumers. The bill’s approach to hydration over medication has been welcomed by Floridians who value personal choice in their water consumption.
Florida’s farmers have also seen crucial protections under the bill. The legislation prohibits financial institutions from discriminating against agricultural producers based on environmental policies or emission targets, a move designed to level the playing field for farmers who may have been unfairly targeted by corporate environmental agendas. In a state where agriculture plays a pivotal role in the economy, the bill stands as a robust defense of Florida’s farmers and ranchers.
“This bill is a win for every Florida family,” said Representative Kaylee Tuck. “From honest food labeling to stopping forced medication in our water, we are restoring accountability, defending common sense, and protecting the core values that make our state strong. It was an honor to help lead this fight in the House. I thank Commissioner Simpson for his tireless work to get this done — his leadership made all the difference.”
Senate President Ben Albritton also shared his enthusiasm about the bill’s success. “I commend Commissioner Simpson for spearheading this comprehensive and historic legislation, and am grateful to Governor DeSantis for his support today. Commissioner Simpson and Senator Truenow, who led the bill through the Senate, are both farmers themselves and understand the needs of Florida’s farm families. They ran to the fight to protect the Florida farmer, safeguard our heritage farmlands, and shore up the vital agricultural supply chain that feeds families across our state. If you eat, you’re involved in agriculture. Today all Floridians can be proud that our state leaders stand with the Florida farmer.”
The bill’s emphasis on food labeling is another significant reform that could have nationwide implications. Under this new law, plant-based products can no longer be misleadingly labeled as “milk,” “meat,” “poultry,” or “eggs.” This measure aims to ensure that consumers are fully informed when purchasing products, providing greater transparency in the food industry.
Beyond these measures, the bill also tackles a wide array of other important issues. One key aspect is the support for farmers who have been impacted by natural disasters, such as hurricanes, through enhanced disaster recovery programs. The bill also ensures that agricultural lands remain protected from the encroachment of non-agricultural activities like solar field development, offering the state the authority to return such fields back to agricultural production.
Moreover, the bill addresses the needs of agricultural workers, ensuring that local governments cannot ban housing for legally verified agricultural workers on bona fide farms. The new law also mandates stricter worker eligibility requirements for farmworker housing, coupled with penalties for violations, in a move to address concerns surrounding illegal immigration.
For gun owners in the state, the bill also reaffirms Florida’s commitment to the Second Amendment. Changes to the concealed weapon license process aim to eliminate unnecessary bureaucratic delays, making it easier for law-abiding citizens to obtain or renew their licenses. Additionally, the bill takes a firm stance on protecting hunting and shooting ranges by prohibiting drones from being used on state lands for harassment purposes.
The legislation also tackles Florida’s emergency preparedness, establishing a retail fuel registration program to ensure a reliable fuel supply during emergencies. A grant program for counties located along evacuation routes has also been set up to help them purchase generator power switches for fuel stations, further enhancing the state’s readiness for natural disasters.
“We are restoring accountability, defending common sense, and protecting the core values that make our state strong,” Representative Tuck said, summarizing the sweeping scope of the legislation. The bill’s ability to address a variety of issues affecting Floridians, from food labeling to gun rights, speaks to the comprehensive nature of the reforms and the commitment of Florida’s leadership to safeguarding the interests of its citizens.
Representative Danny Alvarez echoed similar sentiments, calling the bill “a bold example of what happens when conservative leaders come together to protect our values, defend our way of life and put Floridians first.” Alvarez, who also played a key role in pushing the legislation forward, emphasized Florida’s role as a national leader in agricultural and consumer protection. “Florida is setting the national standard for conservative leadership in agriculture and consumer protection. This legislation defends our farmers, cracks down on fraud, and makes clear that Florida will not bow to radical agendas.”
While the bill encompasses a wide range of provisions, its overarching theme is clear: empowering farmers, protecting consumers, and defending the constitutional rights of Floridians. The 2025 Florida Farm Bill marks a new era for agriculture in the state, setting the bar for other states to follow.
“I’m proud to have helped carry this bill across the finish line,” said Representative Alvarez. “Florida’s farmers and consumers now have stronger protections, thanks to this transformative legislation.”
As the dust settles and Floridians look toward the future, one thing is certain: the 2025 Florida Farm Bill stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, bold leadership, and unwavering commitment to preserving the values that make Florida a unique and thriving state. This is just the beginning, and the ripple effects of this bill will likely be felt across the nation for years to come.
For more information about the 2025 Florida Farm Bill and other initiatives from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.
