Ag Watch Legislative Update - Week 3 of Session

2025 Legislative Session - Week 3
& Florida Farm Bureau Day

The third week of the Florida Legislature's 2025 session is underway, and lawmakers are continuing to make significant strides with a packed schedule of committee meetings and lively discussions. This week, several bills were reviewed and debated as committees remain focused on advancing key priorities that will shape Florida’s future.

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our members who traveled to Tallahassee this week to advocate for our legislative priorities. Your presence and engagement have been invaluable as you educated lawmakers on the critical issues facing agriculture in our state. Your commitment to strengthening Florida's agricultural community is truly appreciated, and we are excited about the progress we are making together.

As the session moves forward, we are energized by the momentum building in the legislature and look forward to further collaboration with legislative and cabinet leaders on initiatives that will support and empower Florida’s dedicated farmers and ranchers.

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, SB 480 made significant progress. The bill was presented by Sen. DiCeglie on Monday in the Senate Commerce Committee, where he did an excellent job emphasizing the critical role agriculture plays in our state. He highlighted how SB 480 will provide a valuable opportunity and tool to support those who feed our state, our nation, and the world. The committee approved the bill, and it is now moving on to its last committee stop, Senate Rules.

During the hearing, Sen. Tom Wright (R-Port Orange), a committee member, expressed strong support for the bill. He spoke passionately about how farmers and ranchers are the backbone of our state and emphasized that expanding healthcare options for them will be an invaluable resource for farm and ranch families.

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, HB 651 successfully passed its first stop in the House Agriculture Committee. The bill includes several key provisions that are crucial to supporting our agricultural community. Notably, it mandates clear labeling to prevent consumer confusion by ensuring products that mimic others are properly distinguished.

A particularly significant provision allows agricultural producers to build housing for their legal employees on agricultural property, addressing the urgent need for workforce housing. The bill also aims to secure the future of agriculture by enabling the Department to sponsor dues for 4H and FFA students, helping cultivate the next generation of leaders in the industry.

We extend our sincere thanks to the bill sponsors and Commissioner Simpson for their leadership in addressing these important issues and ensuring the needs of our agricultural community are met.