Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson unveiled a preview of the 2026 Florida Farm Bill (SB 290) this week, outlining major initiatives aimed at protecting Florida’s agricultural industry and addressing key challenges faced by farmers and ranchers across the state. Sponsored by Senator Keith Truenow and Representative Danny Alvarez, the legislation focuses on supporting and defending Florida agriculture, safeguarding rural infrastructure, and preserving the freedom to farm.
The Florida Farm Bill also takes direct aim at growing concerns surrounding local government overreach, technological disruptions, and workforce shortages within agriculture.
Key Provisions of the 2026 Florida Farm Bill
The proposed legislation, SB 290, includes several significant provisions:
- Prevention of local bans on gasoline-powered farm and lawn care equipment, ensuring producers maintain access to reliable machinery.
- Protection of roadways critical to agricultural operations.
- Restrictions on signal-jamming technologies that could disrupt communications or farm operations.
- Creation of a loan repayment program for food animal veterinarians, reimbursing up to $25,000 per year for veterinarians who treat food animals and commit to working within Florida — addressing the state’s shortage of food animal veterinarians.
Leadership Comments on the Florida Farm Bill
Commissioner Wilton Simpson emphasized the bill’s focus on protecting both agricultural producers and Floridian values:
“The 2026 Florida Farm Bill is about protecting freedom, family, and Florida’s farmers. With the leadership of Senator Keith Truenow and Representative Danny Alvarez, this bill defends the people who feed our state and our nation while also protecting the public from dangerous and disruptive technologies, organized fraud, and government overreach. Together, we’re strengthening the backbone of Florida’s economy and ensuring our state remains a place where freedom, family, and farmers can thrive.”
Senator Keith Truenow added:
“Florida’s agriculture industry is the foundation of our economy and our way of life. The 2026 Florida Farm Bill, thanks to the leadership of Commissioner Simpson, ensures we protect and support that foundation while also strengthening public safety, defending property rights, and keeping government out of the way of hardworking Floridians.”
Representative Danny Alvarez echoed that message:
“When you focus on Florida, freedom, and our farmers, you’re on the right path and that’s exactly what this Farm Bill delivers. For the fourth year in a row, I’m proud to partner with Commissioner Wilton Simpson on this year’s Farm Bill, because we both know that protecting those three pillars is what keeps Florida strong, secure, and truly special.”
Strengthening Florida Agriculture for the Future
The 2026 Florida Farm Bill continues a multi-year effort to bolster Florida’s agricultural economy, ensure food security, and reduce regulatory barriers for producers. With bipartisan leadership and broad support from the agricultural community, this year’s bill aims to keep Florida’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities at the center of the state’s economic and cultural foundation.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.