Commissioner Wilton Simpson Highlights 2026 Florida Farm Bill, Proposals to Protect Freedom, Family, and Farmers

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson is highlighting the 2026 Florida Farm Bill, SB 290, and its proposals to protect freedom, family, and farmers. The 2026 Florida Farm Bill, sponsored by Senator Keith Truenow and Representative Danny Alvarez, will support and defend Florida agriculture and Florida's farmers, ranchers, and growers; prohibit local governments from restricting or banning gasoline-powered farm and lawn care equipment; protect first responders and the public from dangerous signal jamming technology; safeguard roadways and the public by cracking down on organized cheating on commercial driver license English proficiency exams; shield residents from unwanted solicitation by prohibiting commercial solicitation on property that complies with signage requirements; and much more.

"The 2026 Florida Farm Bill is about protecting freedom, family, and Florida's farmers," said Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson. "With the leadership of Senator Keith Truenow and Representative Danny Alvarez, this bill defends the people who feed our state and our nation while also protecting the public from dangerous and disruptive technologies, organized fraud, and government overreach. Together, we're strengthening the backbone of Florida's economy and ensuring our state remains a place where freedom, family, and farmers can thrive."

Senator Keith Truenow (R-Tavares) said, "Florida's agriculture industry is the foundation of our economy and our way of life. The 2026 Florida Farm Bill, thanks to the leadership of Commissioner Simpson, ensures we protect and support that foundation while also strengthening public safety, defending property rights, and keeping government out of the way of hardworking Floridians."

Representative Daniel "Danny" Alvarez (R-Riverview) said, "When you focus on Florida, freedom, and our farmers, you're on the right path and that's exactly what this Farm Bill delivers. For the fourth year in a row, I'm proud to partner with Commissioner Wilton Simpson on this year's Farm Bill, because we both know that protecting those three pillars is what keeps Florida strong, secure, and truly special."

The legislation will introduce many proposals across the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' variety of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Defending Floridians' Freedom to Use Gasoline-Powered Farm and Lawn Care Equipment
  Defending the freedom of Florida's farmers, ranchers, and residents to use the farm and lawn care equipment of their choosing by prohibiting counties and municipalities from restricting or banning the use of gasoline or diesel-powered farm and landscape equipment.
• Protecting First Responders and the Public from Dangerous Signal Jammers
  Making it a crime in Florida to possess, sell, distribute, or use signal jamming devices, technology often smuggled from foreign adversaries that can block 911 calls, disrupt law enforcement communications, and endanger public safety.
• Ensuring Safety on Florida's Roads
  Safeguarding Floridians from unqualified truck drivers who can't read or understand vital road and safety information by making it a crime to cheat, or help someone cheat, on the Commercial Driver License proficiency exam.
• Restoring Privacy with the No-Knock Homestead Act
  Prohibiting door-to-door commercial solicitation at homes displaying "No Solicitation" signs and establishing criminal penalties for violators.
• Holding Bad Contractors Accountable
  Protecting small businesses, ensuring fairness in state contracting, and safeguarding taxpayer dollars by creating a "suspended vendor" list and criminal penalties for contractors who fail to pay their subcontractors or suppliers.
• Supporting Florida's Food Animal Veterinarians
  Strengthening our state's agricultural workforce and food security by establishing a loan repayment program to reimburse up to $25,000 per year for veterinarians who treat food animals and commit to working in Florida.

For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.

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