Ag Watch Legislative Update - Week 6 of Session

2025 Legislative Session - Week 7

With Week 7 now complete, the 2025 Florida Legislative Session is entering its final stretch. While policy committees continue to meet, the focus is shifting towards the state budget. Lawmakers are now deeply engaged in funding negotiations, working to reconcile priorities across both chambers. Discussions around investments in key areas—including infrastructure, public safety, and the agriculture industry—are taking shape as the Legislature moves closer to finalizing its spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year.

Bill Tracking

Fish and Wildlife Commission

HB 1133 by Rep. Shoaf (R - Port St. Joe)

This week, HB 1133 was presented by Rep. Shoaf on the House floor where it passed unanimously. The bill has two parts. The first provision restructures FWC’s board of commissioners to have a regional approach. If this bill is signed into law it would restructure the board with five regional seats and two at-large seats. The regions would be comprised of North West Region, North Central Region, North East Region, South West Region, and South Region.

The second provision aligns the powers of private property entry for FWC officers to be the same as local law enforcement officers.

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)

The Florida Farm Bill made major progress this week. SB 700 cleared the Senate floor, while HB 651 cleared its final committee stop in the House Commerce Committee. These bills remain laser-focused on strengthening Florida’s agricultural community through practical, forward-looking solutions. Key provisions include improved product labeling to reduce consumer confusion and ensure that imitation products are clearly distinguished. A particularly impactful element of the bill allows agricultural producers to build housing for their legal employees directly on agricultural land—an important step in tackling the workforce housing crisis in rural communities.

We deeply appreciate the leadership of Sen. Truenow, Rep. Tuck, and Commissioner Simpson for their commitment to addressing critical issues in the ag sector.

Ad Valorem Tax Exemption

SJR 318 by Sen. Truenow (R - Tavares)

HJR 1215 by Rep. Alavarez (R - Riverview)

This week, SJR 318 was presented by Sen. Truenow in the House Housing, Agriculture, and Tourism Subcommittee, where he emphasized the critical importance of supporting Florida’s farmers. Sen. Truenow highlighted how this bill represents a vital step toward removing a burdensome and senseless tax from the backs of some of Florida’s most essential businesses. With just one stop left in the House and Senate, the bill has garnered significant support, including strong backing from Commissioner Simpson. We deeply appreciate the leadership of Sen. Truenow and Rep. Alvarez, the bill sponsors, and Commissioner Simpson for their unwavering commitment to addressing this critical issue and advocating for Florida’s agricultural community.