Legislature passes bill to ban lab-grown meat, heads to DeSantis’ desk

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis will consider official approval for a bill that bans lab-grown meat, preempts electric vehicle regulations to the state and more as part of an agriculture legislative package.

The Florida House of Representatives passed the bill Wednesday 86-27.

SB 1084 was sponsored by Sen. Jay Collins, R-Tampa. The House version was sponsored by by Rep. Danny Alvarez, R-Riverview.

Collins’ legislation prohibits and creates penalties for the manufacturing, sale or distribution of cultivated meat in the state.

It would also preempt the regulation of electric vehicle charging stations to the state and prohibit local governments from implementing their own policies.

Additionally, the legislation provides regulations for the destruction, harvesting and sale of saw palmetto berries.

If signed, it takes effect July 1.

Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, attempted to amend the bill by adding language to allow the sale of lab-grown meat, so long as its packaging clearly labels what it is.

Rep. Lindsey Cross, D-St. Petersburg argued that the bill would harm the state’s economy by putting barriers on the free market.

Rep. Dean Black, R-Jacksonville, explained that, as a cattleman, the bill does an appropriate job by protecting Floridians from cultivated meats.

“Cultured meat is not meat,” he said. “It comes from a single cellular source. They actually can develop several lines of cells, but it in no way represents the actual chemistry of meat.”

“Cultured meat is made by man. Real meat is made by God Himself,” Black added.

Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson complimented the sponsors of the legislation and the impact that the bill would make.

“Food security is national security, and we all have a responsibility to ensure Floridians have access to a safe, affordable, and abundant food supply,” he said. “This legislation is a reflection of our continued commitment to supporting and protecting Florida’s farmers, ranchers, and growers and enhancing consumer protection and transparency,.”

“Thanks to the leadership of Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, House Speaker Paul Renner, Senator Jay Collins, and Representative Danny Alvarez, Florida is supporting our future farmers’ 4-H and FFA activities, prohibiting the sale of lab-grown meat, and expanding safeguards for agricultural producers and consumers – ultimately creating a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Florida,” he said.

DeSantis reaffirmed his opposition to lab-grown meat during a press conference in early February.

“You need meat. OK?” the governor said. “We’re gonna have meat in Florida.” 

“We’re gonna have fake meat? That doesn’t work,” he said. “We’re gonna make sure to do it right.”