Press Release FDACS

June 12, 2024

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson applauded Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature for the 2024-2025 state budget that makes investments in Florida agriculture, natural resources, and consumer protection.

"I applaud Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature for making critical investments in the 2024-2025 state budget to safeguard and advance Florida agriculture, preserve our working lands and natural resources, and enhance our consumer protection efforts,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “This funding will ensure that our agricultural producers are supported, our working lands are protected, our citrus industry is revitalized, and our operational capabilities are bolstered, all while delivering significant cost savings to taxpayers. Together, we are working to ensure the future of agriculture in Florida, the well-being of our communities, and the preservation of our natural resources and spaces."

Commissioner Wilton Simpson championed the following issues that are included in the 2024-2025 state budget:

• $100 million for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. This program focuses on maintaining the agricultural land base in Florida through the acquisition of permanent rural land protection easements. (GAA, Line 1516)
• $100 million each fiscal year, appropriated in SB 1638, to support the preservation of the Florida Wildlife Corridor, including the acquisition of rural land protection easements under the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.
• $40 million to support Florida’s citrus industry through infrastructure, research, and expansion of propagation and replanting efforts. (GAA)
• $32 million, appropriated in SB 1638, for land management within the Florida Forest Service.
• $15.6 million for equipment and operational increases for the Florida Forest Service, ensuring that our firefighters have the equipment needed to complete their jobs safely and efficiently. (GAA)
• $15.6 million for equipment and operational increases for the Florida Forest Service, ensuring that our firefighters have the equipment needed to complete their jobs safely and efficiently. (GAA)
• $346 million for the administration of home energy rebate programs. (GAA, Section 160)
• $80 million to construct a new facility at the Connor Complex in Tallahassee to consolidate owned and leased space in Tallahassee. The building, the first secured by FDACS since 1978, will provide important cost savings to taxpayers and much-needed operational efficiencies to help the department fulfill its critical mission. (GAA, Line 1484A)
• $3 million to address recruitment and retention efforts throughout the department. (GAA, Section 8(2)(b))
• $13.3 million for repairs and maintenance and roads and bridges maintenance on state forest lands, for facility replacements, and for reforestation efforts on public and private lands. (GAA)
• $13.4 million for information technology critical needs including security enhancements, cloud migration and phone services, technology transformation, and Florida PALM system remediation. (GAA)

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