Florida lawmakers introduce bills to reinforce agricultural protection, enhance consumer safety, and streamline licensing processes.

State lawmakers Sen. Jay Collins and Rep. Danny Alvarez, with support from Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, are kicking off the new calendar year with legislative proposals to strengthen the state’s agricultural sector.

The proposed bills, Senate Bill 1084 and House Bill 1071, among a bevy of provisions, introduce measures against illegal trespassing with the intent to commit crimes on agricultural lands, specifically targeting theft and vandalism. The bills also propose mandatory permits and explicit landowner consent for harvesting, transporting, and selling palmetto berries to reduce illegal activities that harm the environment.

If adopted, the legislation would enact measures to support youth engagement in agriculture by permitting school absences for participation in 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) activities.

“This legislation reflects our continued commitment to supporting and protecting Florida’s farmers, ranchers, and growers, enhancing consumer protection and transparency, and building upon good governance,” said Alvarez. “By supporting our future farmers’ 4-H and FFA activities … and expanding safeguards for agricultural producers and consumers, we aim to promote a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Florida.”

The legislation additionally seeks to ban the sale and production of “cultivated meat” products in Florida, following calls made in November by Rep. Tyler Sirois to outlaw lab-grown meats, referring to its creation as an “affront to nature.” Simpson offered support to the initiative, referencing potential health hazards due to a largely unregulated market.

The pair of bills also aim to streamline administrative procedures by simplifying the renewal and replacement processes for various professional licenses, including concealed weapon licenses, to ease the process for residents and reduce bureaucratic delays.

“Florida’s agriculture industry is not only the backbone of our economy – contributing over $180 billion annually and helping to employ more than 2.5 million people – it is critical to our food security and the future prosperity of our state and nation,” Simpson said in a prepared release. “I’m proud to stand with Florida’s farmers and ranchers with this important legislation that supports and defends their way of life.”

As the 2024 Legislative Session approaches, with a start date of January 9, the bills have yet to be assigned to committees, though they are expected to garner significant support among the legislature.