FL DBPR May Be Ramping Up Ag Enforcement in Wake Of Weather

Gary Cooper Citrus, Florida, General, Specialty Crops, Sugar, Vegetables, Weather

We’re hearing from numerous contacts that the Florida Dept of Business & Professional Regulation may be ramping up its enforcement measures in the wake of the recent cold snaps affecting Florida agriculture. Our sources say at least sixteen investigators have been placed in agriculturally significant areas of the state to ensure compliance with all applicable state and federal laws. Investigators are assigned to the following areas: Homestead, Ft. Pierce, Ft. Myers, Belle Glade/Clewiston, Immokalee/Labelle, Sebring Wauchula, Tampa, Orlando, Gainesville, and Quincy. Farmers should be aware of the possibility of routine checks, inspections, and investigations of farm labor contractor employees including field sanitation, payment of wages, and passenger vehicle safety.