Florida Legislative Session Advances Key Bills Impacting Agriculture
The Florida legislative session is now underway, and lawmakers are already moving forward with several bills that could have a significant impact on the state’s agricultural industry. From broad farm policy reforms to liability protections, agriculture-related legislation is gaining early momentum in both chambers.
One of the most notable measures is Senate Bill 290, known as the Florida Farm Bill, sponsored by Senator Keith Trunow. The bill has already been heard in the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee, where it passed by a strong 17–3 vote. The legislation includes numerous provisions aimed at supporting and strengthening Florida agriculture, addressing regulatory clarity and long-term viability for farmers and ranchers. The bill’s next stop is the Senate Rules Committee, an important step toward full Senate consideration.
In the House, the Florida Farm Bill’s companion measure, House Bill 433, sponsored by Representative Danny Alvarez, is scheduled for a hearing in the House Commerce Committee today. Passage of companion bills in both chambers would help streamline the process as lawmakers work to align language and priorities between the House and Senate.
Another agriculture-related measure moving forward is House Bill 167, which addresses liability concerns for land that has been historically used for phosphate mining. The bill focuses specifically on liability related to naturally occurring radiation associated with mining activities. Under the proposal, liability claims would be limited, and state survey data must be relied upon to demonstrate actual negligence or misconduct. This legislation has now cleared the House and will move to the Senate for further consideration.
Additionally, the Florida Fertilizer and Agrochemical Association (FFAA) has announced its involvement in multiple legislative efforts this session. The association is working on House Bill 433, which deals with product liability under the Florida Pesticide Law, in collaboration with Representative J.J. Groh. FFAA is also supporting Senate Bill 518, sponsored by Senator Trunow, which seeks to reinforce the quote, “doctrine of the label is the law” and close product liability actions under the doctrine of failure to warn. Similar legislation has recently passed in several other states.
As the session continues, these bills signal a strong focus on agriculture, liability reform, and regulatory certainty, all of which will be closely watched by Florida farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses.-
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.