Simpson highlights budget items in agriculture, natural resources, and consumer protection

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson congratulated Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature Wednesday 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,” Simpson said.

Simpson led a number of initiatives in the budget, which are included below:

• $100 million for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The program specifically helps maintain the agricultural land base in Florida through the acquisition of permanent rural land protection easements.
• $100 million each fiscal year, appropriated from SB 1638, to support the preservation of the Florida Wildlife Corridor. This also includes the acquisition of rural land protection.
• $346 million for the administration of home energy rebate programs.
• $80 million to build a new facility at the Connor Complex in Tallahassee to strengthen owned and leased space in Tallahassee. Secured by FDACS in 1978, the building will provide cost savings to taxpayers and necessary operational efficiencies to help the department fulfill its mission.
• $40 million in assistance to Florida’s citrus industry through infrastructure, research, and expansion of propagation and replanting efforts.
• $32 million in supplements from SB 1638 for land management within the Florida Forest Service.
• $15.6 million each for equipment and operational increases for the Florida Forest Service, which aids fighters in doing their jobs safely and efficiently.
• $13.3 million for repairs and maintenance to roads and bridges on state forest lands, as well as facility replacements. The funding also will help reforestation efforts on public and private lands.
• $13.4 million for information technology critical needs: They include security enhancements, cloud migration and phone services, technology transformation, and Florida PALM system remediation.
• $3 million to address recruitment and retention efforts throughout the department.

“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,” Simpson said. “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.”

This year’s budget totals $116.5 billion and results in a $17 billion surplus.