Ag Watch Legislative Update - Week 9 of Session

2025 Legislative Session - Week 9

With Week 9 of the 2025 Legislative Session now behind us, there’s much to celebrate as several of our key policy priorities successfully crossed the finish line this week. However, it appears the session won’t be wrapping up on time. Legislative leaders have acknowledged that, while budget negotiations are close, they are not yet finalized—making an extension of session inevitable.

An official date for when lawmakers will reconvene to address the budget has not yet been announced, but we anticipate that decision will be made in the coming days. We’ll continue to monitor developments closely and keep you informed as details emerge.

Bill Tracking

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

This week marked a major milestone for SB 480 and HB 497, as the legislation passed unanimously on the House floor—an extraordinary show of support. With this final legislative hurdle cleared, the bill now heads to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law.

We are incredibly proud of the journey this bill has taken through both chambers. Thanks to the outstanding leadership of Sen. DiCeglie and Rep. Grow, this legislation has maintained strong momentum and earned widespread backing at every stage. Their tireless advocacy has brought us one step closer to delivering much-needed health coverage options for our state’s farmers and ranchers.

We also extend our sincere thanks to our members for their steadfast advocacy and support throughout this process. Your voices made a real difference and helped ensure this bill’s success.

We look forward to the Governor’s signature and the positive impact this law will have on Florida’s agricultural communities.

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, Florida agriculture took a major step forward as SB 700—passed off the House floor with strong support. The bill now moves to the Governor’s desk, marking a significant milestone in advancing vital policy for our agricultural community.

The Florida Farm Bill contains several key provisions designed to strengthen and sustain agriculture across the state. These include requirements for clear labeling to prevent consumer confusion and ensuring that imitation products are properly distinguished. One of the most impactful elements of the bill allows agricultural producers to build housing for their legal employees on agricultural land—an essential step in addressing Florida’s pressing workforce housing needs. Additionally, the bill invests in the future of the industry by enabling the department to sponsor dues for 4-H and FFA students, helping cultivate the next generation of agricultural leaders.

We are deeply grateful to Rep. Tuck, Rep. Alvarez, Sen. Truenow, and Commissioner Wilton Simpson for their leadership and unwavering commitment to agriculture. We also extend our sincere thanks to our members for their strong advocacy and steadfast support throughout this process—your engagement has been instrumental in advancing this critical legislation.

We look forward to the Governor’s signature and the positive impact this bill will have on Florida’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.

Ad Valorem Tax Exemption

SJR 318 by Sen. Keith Truenow (R - Tavares)
HJR 1215 by Rep. Alvarez (R - Riverview)

This week marked a historic win for Florida agriculture. SJR 318 and HJR 1215 have officially passed both the Florida Senate and House and are now headed to the Governor’s desk. This strong support underscores the clear recognition of how vital our farmers and agricultural businesses are to the state’s economy and way of life.

We are deeply grateful to Senator Truenow and Representative Alvarez for their unwavering leadership in championing this critical legislation, as well as to Commissioner Simpson for his key endorsement and steadfast advocacy. Their combined efforts have paved the way for the removal of an outdated and burdensome tax that has long placed unnecessary strain on Florida’s essential agricultural operations.

This legislative victory is a game-changer. By eliminating this tax, we’re not only reducing the financial burden on farmers—we’re also reinforcing Florida’s commitment to protecting and advancing our agricultural heritage for generations to come.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who played a role in this success and look forward to the Governor’s signature finalizing this bold step forward for Florida agriculture.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)

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

HB 1133 took a significant step forward this week, passing unanimously off the Senate floor after strong support in the Senate Appropriations Committee. With this final legislative hurdle cleared, the bill now heads to the Governor’s desk for signature.

This important legislation includes two key provisions aimed at improving governance and operational consistency within the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. First, it restructures the FWC Board of Commissioners to create five regional seats—Northwest, North Central, Northeast, Southwest, and South—alongside two at-large positions, ensuring more balanced and regionally representative oversight. Second, it brings consistency to FWC officers’ authority by aligning their powers with those of other law enforcement officers, particularly in matters involving entry onto private property.

We extend our sincere thanks to Rep. Shoaf, Sen. Simon, and all who supported this bill, as well as to our members for their ongoing engagement and advocacy.