Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services

08/12/2026

Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the permanent protection of more than 2,600 acres of working Florida agricultural land across four separate farms and ranches through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.

Since its inception, the department’s Rural and Family Lands Protection Program has permanently preserved more than 244,000 acres of working agricultural land, including more than 179,000 acres preserved during Commissioner Simpson’s administration.

Learn more: https://tinyurl.com/52jas3dt

08/07/2026

Comment SEASON for the full list of what's available in August!

08/05/2026

07/24/2026

Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson today announced the arrest of Roger Rodriguez Vega, who allegedly re-entered Florida with livestock after being denied entry at a Florida agricultural inspection station for failing to provide the veterinary inspection documentation required under Florida’s New World Screwworm emergency protections. The animals, 24 sheep and goats, originated from Texas – a high-risk area subject to Florida's enhanced New World Screwworm import restrictions.

Learn more: https://tinyurl.com/97xex4ep

06/25/2026

Fireworks will illuminate the Florida sky this Fourth of July as residents celebrate America's 250th birthday, but officials are preaching caution amid statewide drought conditions. More Below 🔗⬇️

06/23/2026

Commissioner Wilton Simpson: Floridians Can Let Freedom Ring During Fourth of July and America 250 Celebrations

Summer rains have eased drought conditions across the state, but Commissioner Wilton Simpson encourages responsible, safe fireworks celebrations in Florida.

See the tips below and learn more here: https://tinyurl.com/ydd4m8jb

06/12/2026

NWS UPDATE from Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson:

“Over a year ago, when we heard the New World Screwworm could be a threat to the U.S., FDACS started modernizing traps that our trained scientists can use to help with fly detection. I am pleased to report our traps work and are being used today in Texas and New Mexico. Our staff will be placing these traps strategically throughout Florida as well.

“Detection is a major key in response efforts, and Florida will continue to be a strong partner with the USDA and our other states in combatting and eradicating the NWS.

“We have no reports of NWS in Florida at this time. Let’s all stay vigilant to keep it out of Florida.”