Ag Watch Legislative Update - Week 8 of Session

2025 Legislative Session - Week 8

With Week 8 now complete, the 2025 Florida Legislative Session is entering its final stretch. With the mutual understanding between legislative leaders that it is highly unlikely the 2025 session adjourns on time, it will be interesting to see how policy and appropriation negotiations unfold during what is typically the final week of session. We will continue to keep you updated as it looks like we will have some ‘extra innings’ in the weeks to come. Please read below to see a couple of key policy priorities that advanced this week.

Bill Tracking

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)

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

HB 1133 was presented this week by Senator Simon in the Senate Appropriations Committee, where it passed unanimously. The bill now heads to the Senate floor. It includes two key provisions. First, it proposes a regional restructuring of the FWC’s Board of Commissioners, creating five regional seats—Northwest, North Central, Northeast, Southwest, and South—alongside two at-large positions. Second, the bill aligns the authority of FWC officers with that of law enforcement officers, granting them consistent powers regarding entry onto private property.

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 Senator Truenow to the Senate Appropriations Committee, while HJR 1215 was heard in the House State Affairs Committee. Both sponsors did an excellent job highlighting the need to support Florida’s farmers and remove an outdated, burdensome tax that affects some of the state’s most essential businesses. The legislation has earned strong support, including a key endorsement from Commissioner Simpson. We are optimistic this momentum will carry the joint resolutions through their respective chambers and ultimately to the Governor. We extend our sincere appreciation to Senator Truenow, Representative Alvarez, and Commissioner Simpson for their steadfast leadership and advocacy on behalf of Florida’s agricultural community.