Published on Mar. 3, 2026
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According to a report from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, crippling freezes from the harsh winter have cost the state’s agriculture industry over $3 billion in estimated losses. The prolonged cold temperatures severely damaged many of Florida’s specialty crops, including citrus, vegetables, melons, and sugarcane, during critical growing periods.
Why it matters
Florida’s agriculture industry is a major economic driver for the state, generating billions annually thanks to the state’s favorable winter weather that attracts millions of tourists. When severe winter weather hits, it can devastate crops and have far-reaching impacts on the state’s economy and food supply.
The details
The report details two winter weather events that brought unexpected, widespread damage across Florida, affecting many of the state’s most productive agricultural regions during peak seasonal growth and planting periods. A total of 66 counties across Florida experienced freezing temperatures, causing significant stress to a wide range of specialty crops and challenging farmers who haven’t seen freeze events of this scale in decades.
In late December 2025 and early January 2026, a strong winter storm froze Florida, crippling travel and leaving lasting damage.In early February 2026, arctic air locked in a firm grasp of the Sunshine State, setting freezing record-low temperatures across a wide swath of the state.
The players
Wilton Simpson
Commissioner of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Donald Trump
Former President of the United States.
Brooke Rollins
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.
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What they’re saying
“Our preliminary estimate of over $3 billion in agricultural losses makes clear what we already knew: This was one of the most damaging freeze events for Florida agriculture in history. It is also clear that our state’s farmers, ranchers, and growers – who we rely on daily to feed and nourish our communities – need timely and substantial support.”
— Wilton Simpson, Commissioner, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
“I want to thank President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins for their unprecedented support for our food producers, especially during times of crisis like this. They know that a strong domestic food supply is critical to our nation’s security, and Florida’s farmers feed America, especially during the winter.”
— Wilton Simpson, Commissioner, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
What’s next
Working hand in hand with producer groups and the congressional delegation, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services stands ready to accept and quickly administer federal block grant funding to support the state’s impacted producers as they recover and replant.
The takeaway
The crippling freezes that devastated Florida’s agriculture industry highlight the state’s vulnerability to severe winter weather and the critical importance of a strong domestic food supply. This crisis underscores the need for increased support and resilience measures to protect the Sunshine State’s vital agriculture sector.