TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV/Gray Florida Capital Bureau) – The Florida Legislature passed the 2026 Farm Bill on Tuesday, advancing legislation that includes protections for agricultural workers, landscape professionals, small businesses and natural resources.
Agricultural and landscape equipment: Prohibits counties and municipalities from banning the use of gasoline or diesel-powered farm or landscape machinery, or treating it differently than electric equipment.
Rural land protections: Prohibits high-density development on lands designated as rural, conservation, or green space in a local comprehensive plan, unless unanimously approved by the local government.
Farmers Feeding Florida Program: Makes permanent the program that directs fresh Florida agricultural products into food banks.
Agricultural land expansion: Allows the state to identify lands purchased since 2024 that can be surplused and returned to agricultural production.
Biosolids: Prohibits the application of biosolids other than Class AA, which have been treated for the highest level of pathogen removal.
Signal jammers: Makes it a crime to possess, sell, distribute, or use signal-jamming devices, which can block 911 calls and disrupt law enforcement communications.
Road safety: Makes it a crime to cheat, or help someone cheat, on the commercial driver’s license English proficiency exam.
No-knock homestead: Prohibits door-to-door commercial solicitation at residences displaying “No Solicitation” signs, with criminal penalties for violators.
Contractor accountability: Creates a suspended vendor list and administrative penalties for contractors who fail to pay subcontractors or suppliers.
Veterinarian support: Establishes a loan repayment program reimbursing up to $25,000 per year for veterinarians who treat food animals and equine and commit to working in Florida.
Florida politics:
Agriculture Commissioner Simpson said the bill’s passage is a win for farmers and families across the state.
“The 2026 Florida Farm Bill supports the people who feed our state and our nation while also strengthening public safety and defending our rural lands and natural resources,” Simpson said.
Sen. Keith Truenow, R-Tavares, said the bill keeps government out of the way of working Floridians.
“The 2026 Florida Farm Bill ensures that Florida continues to protect and support that foundation while also strengthening public safety, defending property rights, and keeping government out of the way of hardworking Floridians,” Truenow said.
“The legacy and impact of Florida farming is present every day of our lives,” Reps. Danny Alvarez, R-Riverview, said. “Safeguarding the very industry that keeps us fed is smart, practical, and fully deserved for our farmers.”
The Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association (FNGLA) also praised the bill’s passage, specifically the equipment provision.
“The choice of equipment should belong to consumers, not local governments,” said Tal Coley, chief executive officer of FNGLA. “SB 290 prevents a patchwork of local mandates that would have raised costs, disrupted operations and placed an unfair burden on businesses that are already working hard to serve their communities.”
The bill now goes to Gov. Ron DeSantis. If signed, it would take effect July 1, 2026.
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