Ag Watch Legislative Priorities Update

2025 Legislative Session - Priority Updates

We’re happy to report that two of our top legislative priorities have officially been signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis. These critical measures—focused on expanding health coverage options and strengthening Florida agriculture—represent major wins for our state’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. We are grateful to the Governor for his support and to all who helped make these victories possible.

We are very happy to celebrate these policy wins and will keep you updated as legislative leaders continue their work on the 2025 state budget during the extended session.

Bill Tracking

Health Coverage by Nonprofit Agricultural Organizations
SB 480 by Sen. DiCeglie (R - Indian Rocks Beach)
HB 497 by Rep. Grow (R - Inverness)

We are excited to share that Governor Ron DeSantis has officially signed SB 480 into law, marking a historic victory for Florida’s agricultural community. This legislation opens the door for Florida Farm Bureau to offer much-needed health coverage options to farmers and ranchers across the state.

This achievement would not have been possible without the outstanding leadership of Sen. DiCeglie and Rep. Grow, whose dedication and perseverance ensured broad, bipartisan support throughout the legislative process. We are also incredibly grateful to our members—your continued advocacy played a crucial role in making this vision a reality.

We extend our sincere thanks to Governor DeSantis for his support and approval of this vital legislation. His signature brings us one step closer to delivering real solutions for the health care needs of Florida’s agricultural families.

Stay tuned—more information will be coming very soon about the Farm Bureau Health Plan and how you can take advantage of this new opportunity.

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)

We are proud to announce that Governor Ron DeSantis has signed the Florida Farm Bill into law, a major step forward in strengthening and supporting Florida agriculture.

This legislation includes key provisions to protect the integrity of Florida-grown products, enable the construction of housing for legal agricultural workers on farmland, and invest in the next generation of industry leaders by allowing the Department to sponsor FFA student dues.

We are thankful for the leadership of Rep. Tuck, Rep. Alvarez, Sen. Truenow, and Commissioner Wilton Simpson, as well as for the strong backing of our members who championed this legislation every step of the way. And we are especially grateful to Governor DeSantis for recognizing the importance of this bill and signing it into law.

This is a meaningful win for Florida’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities—and we look forward to the positive impact it will have across our state.