TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV/Gray Florida Capital Bureau) – Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Florida’s farm bill into law Monday, joined by Florida legislative leaders and agriculture industry representatives in Highlands County.
The law bans high-density development on land designated as rural, conservation, or green space in a local comprehensive plan unless unanimously approved by the local government.
“We have not wanted to see the state of Florida become a big concrete jungle,” DeSantis said. “I think it shows we have a strong commitment not just to agriculture but also to our rural communities.”
The farm bill prevents local governments from banning gas-and diesel-powered equipment. It cuts red tape for agritourism to help farmers expand operations and grow their businesses.
The law allows the state to decide if land bought since 2024 can be put back into agricultural production. Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson said this could help young farmers.
“If you are a young farmer, saying how we can afford to buy land in this state, watch for this program. This land is much more affordable than land that’s going to be closer to your normal cities,” Simpson said.
The law makes the Farmers Feeding Florida program permanent. The program directs fresh Florida-grown food to food banks. Senate President Ben Albritton said the program addresses child hunger.
“To the extent we could do something about it, we can make sure we can fight against the idea of a child going to bed hungry. Nothing can be more important than that,” Albritton said. “Programs like Farmers Feeding Florida are a real expression of our values: helping neighbors in need and lifting up families with fresh, wholesome food.”
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The law establishes a loan repayment program to reimburse up to $25,000 per year for veterinarians who treat food animals and equine and who commit to working in Florida. It launches the Florida Native Seed Research and Marketing Program to promote agriculture and increase competitiveness.
The law modifies access to emergency recovery loans following disasters to require U.S. citizenship or ownership.
The law prohibits the application of biosolids other than Class AA, which have been treated for the highest level of pathogen removal.
The new law makes it a crime to cheat or help someone cheat on the commercial driver license proficiency exam. It prohibits door-to-door commercial solicitation at homes displaying “No Solicitation” signs and establishes criminal penalties for violators.
The law makes it a crime to possess, sell, distribute or use signal jamming devices that can block 911 calls, disrupt law enforcement communications and endanger public safety.
The law creates a suspended vendor list and administrative penalties for contractors who fail to pay their subcontractors or suppliers.
Florida’s agricultural industry has a $387 billion total economic impact on the state’s economy. More than 45,000 farms and ranches support millions of jobs.
The changes take effect July 1.
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