US EditionGov. DeSantis Signs Florida Farm Bill to Strengthen Agriculture
The bill protects over 45,000 farms, establishes veterinary loan programs, limits development density, and makes the Farmers Feeding Florida program permanent.
- On Monday, March 23, 2026, Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 290, the 2026 Florida Farm Bill, in Sebring to enact broad reforms protecting agriculture and rural lands.
- Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson stated the bill supports those who prioritize 'freedom, family, and farmers,' addressing pressures facing Florida's $387 billion agricultural sector and more than 45,000 farms.
- Provisions in the law prohibit local governments from banning gasoline or diesel-powered farm equipment and limit high-density development in rural zones to one residential unit per 20 acres.
- The act establishes a loan repayment program of up to $25,000 annually for veterinarians treating food animals and equine, and makes the Farmers Feeding Florida program permanent.
- Beyond agriculture, the bill implements public safety measures including signal-jamming device bans and commercial driver license exam penalties, though Rep. Lindsay Cross argued the land-use provisions lack sufficient guardrails.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Governor signs 'really significant' Florida Farm Bill
Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed the Florida Farm Bill, which makes sweeping changes on areas such as land use, workforce development, and local government preemption. “I think this package is really, really significant. It shows that we have a strong commitment to not just agriculture, but our rural communities writ-large,” DeSantis said as he signed SB 290 during a news conference in Sebring. The new law goes into effect July 1. Some of the provi…
Farm bill gets DeSantis’ signature
Washington navel oranges growing in Florida. (Photo by Keith Weller/USDA)Gov. Ron DeSantis, flanked by Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson and Senate President Ben Albritton, signed the 2026 Florida Farm bill in Highlands County Monday. SB 290, the agency bill for the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, was subject of heavy public involvement throughout the legislative process, but eventually passed with wide, bipartisan suppor…
Gov. DeSantis signs sweeping 2026 Florida Farm Bill covering everything from farm equipment to punishing bad contractors
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday signed the wide-ranging 2026 Florida Farm Bill, which lawmakers say benefits the state’s farmers, ranchers, anglers and rural communities.
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