Governor Ron DeSantis signs Florida Farm Bill

Press release from the Office of Governor Ron DeSantis

SEBRING, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 290, the Florida Farm Bill, legislation that strengthens Florida’s agricultural industry, protects consumers, and reinforces the state’s commitment to food security, public safety, and rural land conservation. 

“Today in Sebring, I signed SB 290,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “This important farm bill builds on the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ reforms to protect Florida agriculture, consumers, and rural communities. It also protects the health, security, and freedom of Floridians.”

“The Free State of Florida just delivered another major win for the people who feed our state and our nation,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “With the legislative leaders’ hard work this session and Governor DeSantis’ signature, the 2026 Florida Farm Bill is now law – protecting our farmers from government overreach, strengthening public safety, and preserving our natural resources and rural lands. I’m proud to stand alongside strong conservative leaders who understand that when you fight for freedom, family, and farmers, you’re fighting for Florida’s future.”

“What a great opportunity to have our Governor sign this bill right here in Florida’s Heartland,” said Senate President Ben Albritton. “Florida’s agriculture industry is the key to thriving families, businesses, and communities across our state. Agriculture matters, and that’s a fact. I’m grateful to Governor DeSantis, Commissioner Simpson, Senator Truenow, Representative Alvarez, and so many others who have prioritized Florida’s agriculture industry and the legacy farm families who dedicate their lives and livelihoods to growing the fresh, wholesome foods Floridians need. This is an exciting time to be involved in Agriculture in the great, free state of Florida. The best is yet to come.”

“Florida farmers don’t need more red tape; they need the freedom to produce,” said Senator Keith Truenow. “This legislation is about trusting Florida farmers and giving them the room to succeed, because when agriculture thrives, our communities thrive. I’m proud to partner with Commissioner Simpson and Representative Alvarez to support the backbone of our state, and grateful to Governor DeSantis for signing this important bill into law and continuing to champion Florida agriculture.”

“Florida leads when we trust our farmers and get government out of the way,” said Representative Danny Alvarez. “This bill slashes red tape, supports working families, and ensures our agricultural workforce can keep delivering. I’m proud to stand with Commissioner Simpson on this, and grateful to Governor DeSantis for getting it signed into law.”

Florida’s agricultural industry is a cornerstone of the state’s economy, supporting millions of jobs and feeding families across the nation. More than 45,000 farms and ranches have a $387 billion total economic impact on Florida’s economy. Senate Bill 290 enacts a wide range of reforms to support Florida’s agricultural community and consumers:

• It protects agricultural freedom by preventing local governments from banning gas- and diesel-powered equipment essential to farmers, ranchers, and homeowners.
• It preserves rural lands by limiting inappropriate high-density development in agricultural and conservation areas.
• It cuts bureaucratic red tape for agritourism to help farmers expand operations and grow their businesses.
• It strengthens domestic food supply through new investments in agriculture, including programs supporting veterinarians and food distribution.
• It modifies access to emergency recovery loans following disasters to require U.S. citizenship or ownership.
• It launches the Florida Native Seed Research and Marketing Program to promote homegrown agriculture and increase competitiveness.
• It makes permanent the Farmers Feeding Florida Program, ensuring Florida-grown food continues to reach families in need.
• It establishes a loan repayment program for veterinarians who specialize in food animals and equine care.

The Florida Farm Bill builds on years of strategic investments in agriculture and land conservation, including hundreds of thousands of acres preserved through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program to ensure that working farms and ranches remain protected for future generations.

In addition to supporting agriculture, SB 290 includes key provisions to protect Floridians:

• It criminalizes cheating on commercial driver license (CDL) exams to improve roadway safety.
• It strengthens enforcement against unwanted commercial solicitation to protect homeowner privacy.
• It bans signal jamming devices that can disrupt law enforcement and emergency communications.