Florida Farm Bureau advocates on behalf of farm families on the local, state and national levels. We represent farmers and the rural communities. By advocating for the programs and policies that help farmers and ranchers prosper, we help to protect domestic food production and Florida’s natural resources. Farmers and ranchers help to generate an annual statewide economic impact of $149 billion. 的y maintain greenspace, conserve water and preserve wildlife habitat. 我们的 members are instrumental in helping us work together to accomplish our legislative goals that benefit all Floridians. To make a difference in your community, get involved by contacting your 当地县农业局.
我们的 状态 Legislative Affairs team is based in Tallahassee and serves as the link between our members and government officials at the state level. 他们与州立法机关合作, Governor’s office and other departments and agencies to promote Farm Bureau policy as set by our grassroots members.
Please contact our 状态 Legislative Affairs team for more information at 850.222.2557.
Recent Accomplishments of how we advocate for private landowners and agriculturists:
农产品销售税豁免: We helped save farmers and ranchers more than $2.3 million in tax exemptions for prescription and non-prescription animal health products used for poultry and livestock. 豁免包括, 但不仅限于防腐剂, 绷带用的棉花和纱布, 乳液, 疫苗, 维生素, 虫药和水产保健产品. 视图 tax exemption certificates and tax information publications (TIP).
取消农药附加费: We helped secure an annual $2 million reduction on pesticide fees.
污染的通知: We helped clarify reporting procedures for pollution events. All events must be reported to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection who must notify the public within 24 hours after a pollution event has occurred.
湿地恢复: We protected farmland within the Everglades Agricultural Area and reduced the total cost to build the water storage reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee from $4 billion to $800 million.
适用农用车辆证书: We helped pass legislation that streamlined registration of covered farm vehicles to transport product from farm to market. Farmers and ranchers are eligible for statewide CDL exemption to transport produce throughout Florida and 150 miles from their farm into a neighboring state. 视图 将军的演讲 有关有盖农用车辆.
长期水务政策计划: 我们帮助通过了SB 552法案, a comprehensive and long-term water policy plan to protect, preserve and restore Florida’s natural resources, while providing adequate water to meet the needs of agricultural producers, 市政当局和消费者. This legislation is the first of its kind for Florida and is responsible for several improvements to state laws impacting state springs and water quality. 阅读更多.
农用设备的销售税减免: We helped save Florida farmers and ranchers an estimated $13 million in state and local taxes each year. 的 substantial tax break savings includes elimination of sales tax on parts and repairs for farm equipment, 灌溉设备和农用拖车.
绿地保护: We helped prevent local governments from removing the agricultural assessment on land being used for bona fide agricultural purposes.
规例副本: We helped amend the Ag Lands and Practices Act to prevent local governments from assessing duplicate regulations and fees on farms regulated at the state or federal level.
水政策: We helped prevent the Environmental Protection Agency from overstepping its regulatory duties by passing legislation that protected our objective of a state-run nutrient program to keep Florida’s waterways clean.
农业认证: We helped pass a bill that recognizes the critical need for agricultural careers in the state and provides a path for the approval of more agricultural certifications for students.
农业权法案: We helped pass a bill preserving Florida’s agricultural heritage and modernizing Florida’s Right to Farm Act which regulates agriculture throughout the state of Florida. 阅读更多.
农业局立法日
Each year, Farm Bureau members visit Tallahassee to meet with state lawmakers to discuss 影响农业的公共政策问题. 在这次旅行中, a Taste of Agriculture reception is held to celebrate the family farmers and the importance of agriculture to our state.
立法优先级
From hurricane relief to tax policy and protection of water quality, we ensure the needs of the farming and rural communities are priorities. 了解更多.
立法的更新
立法会议期间, Florida Farm Bureau provides timely updates on pertinent agricultural issues in AgWatch,每周出版的政策问题刊物.
FBACT
我们的 FBACT program provides you with legislative, regulatory and policy updates electronically. When messages to our Congressional delegation or state legislators are needed, 我们会给你发一封动作警报邮件. 的 警报 will include talking points and will automatically send your message to the correct person. 参与并报名 在这里.
识别
年度杰出立法委员
Florida Farm Bureau recognizes legislators for their support of agriculture and rural Florida. Legislators are recognized at the Farm Bureau state annual meeting in October. 参见获胜议员
农业冠军
Florida Farm Bureau recognizes key lawmakers for their active role in supporting agricultural policy during each legislative session.
查看过往与会者