Ag Watch Legislative Update - Week 1 of Session

2025 Legislative Session - Week 1

On Tuesday, March 4th, the Florida Legislature officially launched the 2025 legislative session. During the ceremonial opening, Speaker of the House Rep. Daniel Perez and Senate President Sen. Ben Albritton shared their key priorities for the upcoming session. Keep reading below to learn more about their priorities, along with other initiatives we’ve been working on this week.

We are excited about the opportunities this year will bring and look forward to partnering with legislative and cabinet leaders to advocate for Florida’s dedicated farmers and ranchers.

Senate President Priorities - Rural Renaissance

Economic Development
- Attract businesses to rural areas and support local entrepreneurs.
Infrastructure
- Invest in roads, broadband, and water systems to improve connectivity.
Agricultural Support
- Strengthen Florida’s agricultural industry by securing funding for farms and ranches.
- Promote viable farming practices.
- Advocate for funding to improve infrastructure for Florida’s farm to market roads.
- Works to address challenges like labor shortages and rising costs for the agricultural sector.
Education and Workforce Development
- Enhance education and training programs for rural communities.
Healthcare Access
- Improve healthcare services and addresses provider shortages in rural areas.

Speaker of the House Priorities - Fiscal Accountability

Economic Growth and Job Creation
- Focus on policies that foster economic development, especially in underdeveloped areas of Florida.
- Support for small businesses and entrepreneurs to boost job creation and improve economic opportunities across the state.

Education
- Strengthening Florida’s education system, including K-12 schools and higher education institutions.
- Supporting workforce training and initiatives to bridge the skills gap in Florida’s job market.

Public Safety
- Support for law enforcement agencies and measures to address crime across the state.

Tax Relief & Fiscal Responsibility
- Commitment to lowering taxes for Floridians, with a focus on reducing the tax burden for families and businesses.

Infrastructure
- Investments in infrastructure, including improving transportation systems, water infrastructure, and hurricane resilience.

Healthcare Access
- Addressing the rising costs of healthcare and promoting health-related reforms.

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, HB 497 was presented to the House Insurance and Banking Committee, where it was unanimously approved. Several committee members voiced strong support, highlighting the vital role of Florida’s farming and ranching community and the need for the state to equip them with the necessary tools to thrive. This bill provides one such tool by offering cost-effective health coverage through membership in the Florida Farm Bureau. While the Senate version of the bill was not heard this week, it is scheduled for discussion on Monday, and we look forward to advancing this important priority.

Chemical Additives in Food Products

SB 560 by Sen. Martin (R-Ft. Myers)
HB 595 by Rep. Cross (D-St. Pete)

This week SB 560 was presented in the Senate Agriculture Committee where it was voted on favorably. The bill prohibits food establishments from manufacturing, selling, or distributing food containing specific chemical additives starting January 1, 2028. The banned additives include Brominated vegetable oil, Potassium bromate, Propylparaben, Red dye 3, Blue dye 1, Yellow dye 5, Benzidine, Butylated hydroxyanisole, and Butylated hydroxytoluene. A Class II administrative fine will be imposed for a first violation of these prohibitions, with the penalty escalating to a Class III administrative fine for second or subsequent violations.