The Florida Legislature has passed the 2026 Florida Farm Bill, sponsored by Senator Keith Truenow and Representative Danny Alvarez. According to the Florida Fertilizer and Agrichemical Association, SB 290, included “preemption of local restrictions on gasoline-powered equipment, the Florida Food Animal Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program, Farmers Feeding Florida Program, and consumer protections and agricultural land access.”
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson said, “The Florida Legislature passing the 2026 Florida Farm Bill is a major victory for Florida farmers and Florida families. Thanks to the leadership and commitment of Senate President Ben Albritton, House Speaker Daniel Perez, Senator Keith Truenow, Representative Danny Alvarez, and Representative Chad Johnson, the 2026 Florida Farm Bill supports the people who feed our state and our nation while also strengthening public safety and defending our rural lands and natural resources. Together, we’re strengthening the backbone of Florida’s economy and ensuring our state remains a place where freedom, family, and farmers can thrive.”
Advocacy groups have shared their support for the bill, including the Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association.
Tal Coley, CEO of FNGLA said, “This legislation is a win for every landscape professional in Florida. The choice of equipment should belong to consumers, not local governments. SB 290 prevents a patchwork of local mandates that would have raised costs, disrupted operations and placed an unfair burden on businesses that are already working hard to serve their communities.”
The bill now awaits Governor DeSantis’ signature.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.