summary
Introduced
02/26/2025
02/26/2025
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
02/27/2025
02/27/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to agriculture; amending s. 570.822, F.S.; renaming the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program as the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Emergency Loan Program; revising definitions; providing that loan funds from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Emergency Loan Program may be used for labor costs and to reset and replant agriculture and aquaculture commodities; increasing the maximum loan amount an applicant may receive during the application period; authorizing certain applicants to receive a supplemental loan up to a specified amount if eligible; providing that the supplemental loan may not be counted toward the maximum loan amount an applicant may receive under the program; revising eligibility criteria; requiring the department to adopt certain standards by rule; authorizing the department to renew certain loan applications under certain circumstances; authorizing the department to defer or waive loan payments under certain circumstances; conforming provisions to changes made by the act; creating s. 570.823, F.S.; defining terms; establishing the Silviculture Emergency Recovery Program within the department to administer a grant program to assist certain timber land owners; requiring that the grants be used for certain purposes; requiring that only timber land located on specified agricultural lands are eligible for the program; requiring the department to coordinate with state agencies and other entities to ensure that timber land owners have access to financial assistance following a specified declared emergency; providing additional objectives for the coordination; authorizing the department to adopt rules, including emergency rules; creating s. 570.831, F.S.; providing legislative intent; defining a term; requiring the Citrus Research and Development (CRDF) Foundation to work in coordination with the department to provide support for certain activities; requiring the CRDF Foundation to direct and manage a certain program; requiring the department to assist the CRDF Foundation in the execution of its duties; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill makes several significant changes to agricultural support programs in Florida. First, it renames the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program to the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Emergency Loan Program, expanding its scope beyond natural disasters to include other types of emergencies. The bill increases the maximum loan amount from $500,000 to $1.5 million and allows for a supplemental loan of up to $1 million for applicants affected by specific hurricanes in 2024. The program now permits loan funds to be used for labor costs and replanting agricultural commodities. Additionally, the bill creates two new programs: the Silviculture Emergency Recovery Program, which provides grants to timber land owners for restoration and replanting after emergencies, and a program supporting the Citrus Research and Development Foundation to conduct field trials and research on combating citrus pests and diseases. The legislation also gives the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services more flexibility in loan administration, including the ability to defer or waive loan payments during significant hardships. The bill aims to provide more comprehensive support for Florida's agricultural producers facing various challenges, from natural disasters to crop diseases, and is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Withdrawn prior to introduction, companion bill(s) passed, see CS/CS/CS/SB 700 (Ch. 2025-22) (on 02/27/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/1159 |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2025/1159/BillText/Filed/PDF |
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