Ag Watch Legislative Update - Week 1 of Session

2025 Legislative Session - Week 2

The second week of the Florida Legislature's 2025 session is underway, and lawmakers have hit the ground running, diving into a busy schedule of committee meetings and robust discussions. This week, multiple bills were reviewed and debated as committees continue to focus on key priorities for Florida's future.

We are excited about the momentum building in the legislature and are eager to continue collaborating with legislative and cabinet leaders to advocate for the needs of Florida's dedicated farmers and ranchers. As the session progresses, we look forward to further engagement on initiatives that support and strengthen our agricultural community. Read on to see some of the key developments from this week.

Bill Tracking

Health Coverage by Nonprofit Agricultural Organizations

SB 480 by Sen. Nick Diceglie (R - Indian Rocks Beach)
HB 497 by Rep. JJ Grow (R - Inverness)

This week, both SB 480 and HB 497 were heard and made significant progress. HB 497 was unanimously approved in its second stop, the House Healthcare Systems and Facility Committee, while SB 480 received unanimous approval in its first stop, the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee. Several committee members from both chambers expressed strong support, emphasizing the critical role of Florida’s farming and ranching community and the importance of equipping them with the resources needed to succeed. This bill offers a valuable tool by providing affordable health coverage through membership in the Florida Farm Bureau. We sincerely thank our sponsors for their ongoing leadership and unwavering commitment to supporting Florida Agriculture.

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) - Florida Farm Bill

SB 700 by Sen. Truenow (R - Tavares)
HB 651 by Rep. Tuck (R - Lake Placid)

This week, SB 700 made its first stop in the Senate Agriculture Committee and passed unanimously. The bill includes numerous important provisions and below are a few key highlights. The bill mandates clear labeling to prevent products that mimic others from misleading consumers. A very significant provision within the bill is the right it grants agricultural producers to build housing for their legal employees on agricultural property, addressing a critical need for workforce housing. The bill also supports the future of agriculture by allowing the Department to sponsor dues for 4H and FFA students, helping to foster the next generation of leaders in the industry. We’d like to extend our gratitude to the bill sponsors and Commissioner Simpson for their leadership in tackling these tough issues, ensuring that the needs of our agricultural community are met.

Rural Communities

SB 110 by Sen. Simon (R - Tallahassee)
HB 1427 by Rep. Griffits (R - Panama City) and Rep. Abbot (R - DeFuniak Springs)

This week SB 110 passed its last committee in the Senate where it passed unanimously. While the House bill has not moved as quickly, we believe that it will start moving through the process rapidly in the coming weeks. This legislation is a forward-thinking initiative focused on supporting Florida’s rural communities. It aims to improve access to essential services, encourage economic growth, and enhance opportunities for residents in these areas. By addressing key challenges and promoting sustainable development, SB 110 underscores a strong commitment to ensuring that rural Florida continues to thrive.