Florida Producers Eligible for Hurricane Disaster Relief Funds
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has announced that agricultural producers across the state who were impacted by hurricanes in 2023 and 2024 may now apply for hurricane disaster relief funds. The funding will be distributed through the Florida Block Grant Disaster Program to assist eligible producers with losses tied to infrastructure damage, market loss, citrus loss, and timber damage resulting from those storms.
Commissioner Simpson emphasized the importance of timely assistance for Florida’s agricultural community, saying, “I want to thank President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins for their steadfast support for our farmers, ranchers, and producers. Florida’s producers suffered over $3 billion in damages and losses during the 2023 and 2024 hurricane seasons. We’ve worked to make this funding available as quickly as possible to support the men and women who feed and sustain our state and nation. Our program is in place, and we stand ready to receive supplemental funding to address the devastating 2026 ice storm that impacted Florida. We can be a force multiplier to get assistance out as quickly as possible.”
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is encouraging producers to prepare in advance of the application window. According to the department, producers should “begin preparing now by reviewing eligibility information and gathering required documentation to help prevent delays once the application period opens. To help producers prepare, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has established a centralized online information hub at FDACS.gov/BlockGrant with information regarding eligibility, documentation requirements, and application details.”
The $600 million in federal funding represents approximately 35% of the total agricultural losses experienced by Florida producers during the 2023 and 2024 hurricane seasons. While the funding will not fully cover all losses, state officials say it will provide critical relief to help producers recover and maintain operations.
According to FDACS, the application period for the Florida Block Grant Disaster Program opens on February 25, 2026. “All completed applications must be submitted by August 25, 2026, or until funds are exhausted, whichever comes first.”
Florida agriculture leaders encourage eligible producers to review program requirements early and prepare documentation to ensure timely access to relief funds as soon as the application period begins.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.