HIGHLANDS COUNTY, Fla. – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the 2026 Farm Bill into law Monday, a sweeping piece of legislation impacting agriculture, conservation, and local regulations across the state. The bill, formally known as Senate Bill 290, passed with broad bipartisan support after undergoing significant public scrutiny during the legislative process. The signing ceremony took place in Highlands County, underscoring the bill’s focus on supporting rural communities and the state’s agricultural sector.
The new law addresses a range of issues, from allowing the sale of state-owned conservation land for agricultural apply to preempting local ordinances regarding gas-powered landscaping equipment. It also establishes penalties for fraudulent activity during commercial driver’s license testing and implements several measures aimed at improving contractor accountability. The governor emphasized the bill’s significance, stating it demonstrates a “strong commitment to not just agriculture but our rural communities writ large.”
The Florida Senate unanimously approved SB 290, and the House followed suit with a 94-10 vote, with all dissenting votes coming from Democrats. This level of bipartisan support signals a shared recognition of the challenges and opportunities facing Florida’s agricultural industry and the necessitate for updated regulations. A related report from WLRN detailed the removal of controversial “food libel” language from the bill prior to its passage. Farm bill, stripped of food libel language, is headed to the governor
Conservation Land and Agricultural Access
One of the most debated provisions of the bill concerns the potential sale of state-owned conservation land. The legislation allows a state council to review land designated for conservation to determine its suitability for commercial agricultural use. If deemed appropriate, the land could be sold by the government, but with a crucial stipulation: any sale would be subject to an easement ensuring the land remains undeveloped. State parks, state forests, and land included in the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan are explicitly excluded from this provision.
Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson highlighted the potential benefits for young and aspiring farmers. “If you are a young farmer saying, ‘How can we afford to buy land in this state?’ Watch for this program,” Simpson said, explaining that removing the competition from real estate developers could build land more accessible. However, concerns were raised during the legislative process about the potential impact on conservation efforts. Representative Lindsay Cross, a Democrat from St. Petersburg, voiced concerns on the House floor about the lack of sufficient safeguards to protect the conservation value of these lands.
Preemption of Local Regulations and Support for Small Cities
The Farm Bill also includes a provision that preempts local governments from banning gas-powered landscaping and farm equipment, such as leaf blowers and chainsaws. This move comes after several cities, including Miami Beach and Naples, had already implemented restrictions in favor of battery-operated alternatives, according to bill analyses. DeSantis defended the provision, stating, “Some of these local governments wish to not let you use certain equipment if its gas operated. That’s not their decision. It’s your decision.” He added a personal preference for gas-powered equipment, citing its reliability.
Beyond equipment regulations, the bill aims to protect smaller cities from overdevelopment. Simpson explained that the legislation defines “ecologically significant parcels” – undeveloped conservation, agricultural, or green spaces in rural communities – and uses this designation to limit the density of potential development. “We protected small cities in this bill,” Simpson asserted, stating that approximately 110 cities will benefit from these protections.
Farmers Feeding Florida and Other Key Provisions
The bill permanently establishes the Farmers Feeding Florida program, building on a successful pilot program that allows the state to purchase locally grown products and distribute them to food banks and families in need. Senate President Ben Albritton emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “There is something…tragic about the idea of children going to bed hungry every night.” He noted the widespread support for addressing food insecurity within the state legislature.
Additional provisions within the Farm Bill include limitations on door-to-door sales, allowing Floridians to post “no solicitation” signs; the creation of a second-degree misdemeanor for cheating on the commercial driver’s license exam’s sign reading portion; the establishment of a suspended vendor list for contractors who fail to pay subcontractors; and a ban on the sale or possession of signal jamming devices.
Food Libel Provision Removed
A particularly contentious element of earlier drafts of the bill – a provision that would have created a legal cause of action for agricultural producers against critics of their products or practices – was ultimately removed. This “food libel” provision drew criticism from free speech advocates and raised concerns about its potential to stifle legitimate debate about agricultural practices, such as the controversial practice of pre-harvest sugar field burning.
The implementation of the 2026 Farm Bill will be overseen by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Further details regarding specific program rollouts and eligibility requirements will be available on the department’s website in the coming weeks. The next key step will be the establishment of the state council responsible for reviewing conservation lands, as outlined in the legislation.
This bill represents a significant step in shaping the future of Florida’s agricultural landscape. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and experiences with these changes in the comments below.
