TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, Senator Keith Truenow, and Representative Kaylee Tuck announced legislation to support Florida agriculture and Florida’s farmers, ranchers, and growers; prohibit ESG lending practices targeting agricultural producers; increase emergency preparedness; support FFA and 4-H programs; expand consumer protections and transparency across a number of regulated industries, and more.
Commissioner Wilton Simpson said, "This legislation is a strong step forward to defend Florida’s agricultural industry and the hardworking farmers, ranchers, and growers who fuel our economy. By standing up to overreach and ensuring our agricultural community thrives, we are preserving our state’s heritage and safeguarding its future. Florida’s agriculture industry deserves the best, and through Senator Truenow and Representative Tuck’s efforts we are delivering on that promise."
Senator Keith Truenow said, "Our farmers and ranchers are the backbone of Florida’s economy, and it’s time we put a stop to harmful practices that threaten their success. This bill is about standing up for common-sense policies that protect our agricultural lands, support local businesses, and ensure Florida remains a leader in agriculture. Commissioner Simpson has been a true champion for our farmers, and this legislation proves our commitment to their success."
Representative Kaylee Tuck said, "Our agricultural community is a cornerstone of Florida's identity and prosperity, and today’s legislation is a testament to that. By safeguarding our farmers and ranchers from discriminatory lending practices and bolstering consumer protections, we are ensuring a brighter, more secure future for Florida agriculture. Commissioner Simpson’s vision continues to drive positive change across our state, and I am proud to be a part of this effort."
The legislation will introduce a number of proposals across the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ variety of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to:
Preserving Florida’s Working Agricultural Lands
- Returning the decision for solar farms on agricultural land to local government. Clarifies tax structure to incentivize dual use of solar farms with working agriculture.
Protecting the Future of Florida’s Agricultural Industry
- Prohibiting financial institutions from discriminating against agricultural producers based on environmental policies or set emission targets.
Reducing the Burden on Florida Farmers
- Providing the opportunity for Floridians to vote on a total exemption of tangible personal property taxes on property classified as agricultural.
- Exempting agricultural materials used in the process of enrolling in, implementing, and maintaining best management practices from taxes imposed under Chapter 212.
Reloading Florida’s Commitment to the Second Amendment
- Updating Florida’s concealed weapon licenses process to eliminate red tape and delays for gun owners.
Increasing Florida’s Emergency Preparedness
- Supporting a reliable and available fuel supply during emergencies through a retail fuel registration program.
- Establishing a grant program for fiscally constrained counties and areas along evacuation routes to purchase generator power switches for fuel stations.
Supporting Florida Consumers
- Creating an "Honest Services Registry," which will feature charitable organizations that do not solicit or include funds from foreign countries of concern.
- Prohibiting charities from registering with FDACS to solicit charitable contributions if they engage in political activities and have failed to register with the Florida Department of State.
- Prohibiting the mislabeling of plant-based products as “milk” or “meat.”
- Requiring businesses to clearly mark prices on all items and eliminating outdated law that allowed for pricing to be optional.
- Eliminating the loophole for the sale of psychedelic mushrooms.
- Creating a state felony for stealing checks out of mailboxes from Florida homes and businesses.
Educating Florida’s Future
- Protecting 4-H and FFA programs in local schools from local governments’ zoning laws by ensuring local programs can have agriculture facilities on school property.
For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.
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