This profile is included in the current election view, based on the official candidate list checked September 13, 2026. Current election · Primary archive · Official candidate list ↗
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Commissioner of Agriculture
2026 Florida Commissioner of Agriculture — General Election · November 3, 2026
Current post-primary status comes from Florida’s candidate list. Final ballot placement is subject to the county’s official ballot. All published research retains its source evidence.
Last reviewed September 15, 2026Atkins's campaign describes him as a trial attorney, sports agent, and former international-economic-development worker.
Policy statements from campaign-controlled sources are labeled candidate positions; they are not independently presented as proven outcomes.
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2026 General Election
Commissioner of Agriculture
Joey Mendoza Atkins
Democrat
21 NE 22nd Street, #904
Miami, FL 33137
Phone: (561)718-7244
Status: Qualified
Date Filed: 06/10/2026
Date Qualified: 06/12/2026
Method: Paid Qualifying Fee
Only contact details published in official filing records, FEC filings, or a verified candidate-owned source with retained exact evidence appear here.
21 NE 22nd Street, #904 · Miami, FL 33137
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21 NE 22nd Street, #904
Miami, FL 33137
Phone: (561)718-7244
Publication here means only that the contact detail appeared in the cited filing. It is not an endorsement, and older filings may remain visible until an amended official record is captured.
Verified records and candidate-provided claims are labeled separately.
As a trial attorney, my legal practice has focused on representing individuals and families in civil litigation. Some of my proudest work stems from my work in providing legal aid to migrant farmworkers and DACA recipients.
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As a trial attorney, my legal practice has focused on representing individuals and families in civil litigation. Some of my proudest work stems from my work in providing legal aid to migrant farmworkers and DACA recipients.
My professional experience has included both the practice of law and work in international economic development, giving me experience across the legal, nonprofit, public, and private sectors. In addition to legal and policy experience, I am a sports agent, representing college and professional athletes while negotiating contracts and career opportunities.
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My professional experience has included both the practice of law and work in international economic development, giving me experience across the legal, nonprofit, public, and private sectors.
In addition to legal and policy experience, I am a sports agent, representing college and professional athletes while negotiating contracts and career opportunities.
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B.A. Cum Laude – Major: Political Science – Minor: Criminal Justice at Florida Atlantic University; J.D at University of Toledo College of Law; Master’s Degree in International Economic Development at Milano School for Policy, Management, and Environment;
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B.A. Cum Laude – Major: Political Science – Minor: Criminal Justice at Florida Atlantic University; J.D at University of Toledo College of Law; Master’s Degree in International Economic Development at Milano School for Policy, Management, and Environment;
Jupiter
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Jupiter
Palm Beach County, Florida.
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Palm Beach County, Florida.
As a trial attorney, my legal practice has focused on representing individuals and families in civil litigation. Some of my proudest work stems from my work in providing legal aid to migrant farmworkers and DACA recipients.
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As a trial attorney, my legal practice has focused on representing individuals and families in civil litigation. Some of my proudest work stems from my work in providing legal aid to migrant farmworkers and DACA recipients.
Candidate for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture
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Candidate for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture
Paid for and approved by Joey Mendoza Atkins, Democrat, for Commissioner of Agriculture.
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Paid for and approved by Joey Mendoza Atkins, Democrat, for Commissioner of Agriculture.
A position shows what the candidate said—not FactVote's endorsement.
Each summary is supported by the candidate's own words from a campaign source, direct candidate response, or official primary record retained with the profile.
1 earlier policy or biographical entries could not be reverified in their current sources. They remain in the research archive and are excluded from current positions and issue comparisons. This does not establish that the statements are false.
Support Florida Farmers Expand and Strengthen “Fresh From Florida” Program Strengthen local agriculture, Protect Our food supply
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Support Florida Farmers
Expand and Strengthen “Fresh From Florida” Program
Strengthen local agriculture,
Protect Our food supply
Protect Florida's water resources Conserve farmland and natural habitats Invest in long-term environmental stewardship
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Protect Florida's water resources
Conserve farmland and natural habitats
Invest in long-term environmental stewardship
Strengthen emergency preparedness Support firefighters and first responders Improve recovery for families and businesses
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Strengthen emergency preparedness
Support firefighters and first responders
Improve recovery for families and businesses
I’m running to make Florida healthy and affordable again, and to protect our natural resources from overdevelopment. Just two examples of common-sense issues that aren’t covered in my other answers later on include cannabis legalization and protecting immigrant farm workers. A majority of Floridians voted to legalize cannabis in 2024, and researchers believe that legal access to cannabis could potentially alleviate the opioid addiction crisis among veterans. However current Commissioner Wilton Simpson has aggressively restricted hemp products and consistently thwarted attempts to legalize marijuana. Meanwhile, protecting immigrant farm workers would also help stabilize food costs by preventing artificial labor shortages, reducing crop spoilage, and saving farmers millions in turnover and recruitment expenses. When workers leave due to indiscriminate and extremist state government crackdowns or poor conditions, production plummets, driving up grocery prices due to scarcity.
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I’m running to make Florida healthy and affordable again, and to protect our natural resources from overdevelopment. Just two examples of common-sense issues that aren’t covered in my other answers later on include cannabis legalization and protecting immigrant farm workers. A majority of Floridians voted to legalize cannabis in 2024, and researchers believe that legal access to cannabis could potentially alleviate the opioid addiction crisis among veterans. However current Commissioner Wilton Simpson has aggressively restricted hemp products and consistently thwarted attempts to legalize marijuana. Meanwhile, protecting immigrant farm workers would also help stabilize food costs by preventing artificial labor shortages, reducing crop spoilage, and saving farmers millions in turnover and recruitment expenses. When workers leave due to indiscriminate and extremist state government crackdowns or poor conditions, production plummets, driving up grocery prices due to scarcity.
I would strengthen and expand "Farm to Food Bank" Projects: Utilizing TEFAP Farm to Food Bank Project Grants helps local growers harvest, package, and transport less-marketable or excess crops directly to local feeding programs. I'd double down on programs like Farmers Feeding Florida to subsidize operational costs for local farmers while stabilizing the food bank supply chain. I would advocate for and allocate more state budget dollars toward food bank infrastructure. Investing directly in cold-storage expansions and local distribution fleets allows contracted agencies to manage sudden influxes of USDA foods without incurring localized deficits. I would implement stricter, more transparent pre-award audits on regional contractors to ensure that selected distribution agencies have the validated refrigeration, staff, and geographical outreach to fulfill their contracts before emergency food is bottlenecked. I would also establish cross-agency contingency plans with DCF.
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I would strengthen and expand "Farm to Food Bank" Projects: Utilizing TEFAP Farm to Food Bank Project Grants helps local growers harvest, package, and transport less-marketable or excess crops directly to local feeding programs. I'd double down on programs like Farmers Feeding Florida to subsidize operational costs for local farmers while stabilizing the food bank supply chain. I would advocate for and allocate more state budget dollars toward food bank infrastructure. Investing directly in cold-storage expansions and local distribution fleets allows contracted agencies to manage sudden influxes of USDA foods without incurring localized deficits. I would implement stricter, more transparent pre-award audits on regional contractors to ensure that selected distribution agencies have the validated refrigeration, staff, and geographical outreach to fulfill their contracts before emergency food is bottlenecked. I would also establish cross-agency contingency plans with DCF.
I would support common-sense pro 2nd Amendment state-level public safety bills such as statewide safe storage mandates: requiring firearms in homes with minors to be secured with a trigger lock or inside a safe, and Universal Background Checks: endorsing bills that close private sale and gun show loopholes by requiring background checks for all firearm transfers.
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I would support common-sense pro 2nd Amendment state-level public safety bills such as statewide safe storage mandates: requiring firearms in homes with minors to be secured with a trigger lock or inside a safe, and Universal Background Checks: endorsing bills that close private sale and gun show loopholes by requiring background checks for all firearm transfers.
I would work to actually implement the consensus-based scientific recommendations for water quality improvement made by Governor DeSantis’s Blue-Green Algae Task Force, including strengthening compliance and enforcement mechanisms with robust data-based water quality monitoring and explicit, measurable, science-based directives for policy change. Since the issuance of the Task Force recommendations, ecological conditions in Florida have not improved and, in many cases, they have worsened. At the same time, I’d also look to subsidize innovative waste conversion, for example proposing economic tax credits or grant incentives for livestock facilities to convert animal manure into commercial, stabilized bio-fertilizers, reducing raw waste runoff.
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I would work to actually implement the consensus-based scientific recommendations for water quality improvement made by Governor DeSantis’s Blue-Green Algae Task Force, including strengthening compliance and enforcement mechanisms with robust data-based water quality monitoring and explicit, measurable, science-based directives for policy change. Since the issuance of the Task Force recommendations, ecological conditions in Florida have not improved and, in many cases, they have worsened. At the same time, I’d also look to subsidize innovative waste conversion, for example proposing economic tax credits or grant incentives for livestock facilities to convert animal manure into commercial, stabilized bio-fertilizers, reducing raw waste runoff.
My philosophy is to fiercely protect Florida’s public and rural lands and agricultural heritage from overdevelopment. Left in their natural state, our lands keep an immense amount of climate pollution out of the atmosphere. FL loses an equivalent of 10 acres of natural and working lands every hour to development, and with them, the invaluable natural goods and services they provide. I also want to stop the rapid, unregulated sprawl of hyperscale AI data centers across Florida. AI data centers drive up electricity demand and costs, and strain water supplies from the Floridan aquifer: a single large data center can consume as much electricity as a small city. Working to ensure that recently enacted legislation prohibiting utility companies from passing the costs of AI grid upgrades onto consumers is actually enforced will be critical, however, massive developments in rural areas would still continue to threaten local habitats and natural resources.
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My philosophy is to fiercely protect Florida’s public and rural lands and agricultural heritage from overdevelopment. Left in their natural state, our lands keep an immense amount of climate pollution out of the atmosphere. FL loses an equivalent of 10 acres of natural and working lands every hour to development, and with them, the invaluable natural goods and services they provide. I also want to stop the rapid, unregulated sprawl of hyperscale AI data centers across Florida. AI data centers drive up electricity demand and costs, and strain water supplies from the Floridan aquifer: a single large data center can consume as much electricity as a small city. Working to ensure that recently enacted legislation prohibiting utility companies from passing the costs of AI grid upgrades onto consumers is actually enforced will be critical, however, massive developments in rural areas would still continue to threaten local habitats and natural resources.
The most critical issue facing Florida’s agriculture and forestry sectors is rapid urban sprawl and land-use conversion. Rising land values and population growth are accelerating the loss of vital rural and green spaces to residential development, which threatens both the state's economic viability and its natural ecosystems. Florida’s agriculture sector is undergoing rapid transformation due to biological shocks, environmental stressors, import competition, and accelerating urbanization. Citrus greening, laurel wilt, and hurricane-related damage have sharply reduced yields and acreage, while rising imports erode market share and depress prices. Urban development and recreational land-use expansion are accelerating land-value increases, which in turn drives farmland loss and abandonment. There is an urgent need for integrated strategies that improve resilience, strengthen land conservation, and enhance the long-term competitiveness of FL’s agricultural sector.
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The most critical issue facing Florida’s agriculture and forestry sectors is rapid urban sprawl and land-use conversion. Rising land values and population growth are accelerating the loss of vital rural and green spaces to residential development, which threatens both the state's economic viability and its natural ecosystems. Florida’s agriculture sector is undergoing rapid transformation due to biological shocks, environmental stressors, import competition, and accelerating urbanization. Citrus greening, laurel wilt, and hurricane-related damage have sharply reduced yields and acreage, while rising imports erode market share and depress prices. Urban development and recreational land-use expansion are accelerating land-value increases, which in turn drives farmland loss and abandonment. There is an urgent need for integrated strategies that improve resilience, strengthen land conservation, and enhance the long-term competitiveness of FL’s agricultural sector.
Property insurance and rent inflation, aggressive debt collection, and predatory scams are some of the key issues currently squeezing Floridians. We consistently rank fourth in the nation for per-capita debt collection complaints, and nearly 47% of state debt collection complaints cite abusive, predatory, or threatening behavior by collectors. One idea would be to launch a searchable, real-time database displaying consumer complaints by company name (similar to the federal CFPB portal) to deter deceptive local trade practices through radical transparency. Other ideas include creating a centralized "Single Digital Doorway" intake portal to instantly route complaints to the precise jurisdiction without forcing consumers to navigate bureaucratic mazes, and to transition the division's primary focus from educational brochure distribution to robust enforcement, particularly when it comes to renter's rights.
The text below is the exact source material used for this statement.
Property insurance and rent inflation, aggressive debt collection, and predatory scams are some of the key issues currently squeezing Floridians. We consistently rank fourth in the nation for per-capita debt collection complaints, and nearly 47% of state debt collection complaints cite abusive, predatory, or threatening behavior by collectors. One idea would be to launch a searchable, real-time database displaying consumer complaints by company name (similar to the federal CFPB portal) to deter deceptive local trade practices through radical transparency. Other ideas include creating a centralized "Single Digital Doorway" intake portal to instantly route complaints to the precise jurisdiction without forcing consumers to navigate bureaucratic mazes, and to transition the division's primary focus from educational brochure distribution to robust enforcement, particularly when it comes to renter's rights.
Standing up for our farms, protecting our water, defending consumers, and preserving the Florida we love.
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Standing up for our farms, protecting our water, defending consumers, and preserving the Florida we love.
Support Florida Farmers
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Support Florida Farmers
Increase transparency
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Increase transparency
Florida can grow without sacrificing the farms, neighborhoods, and natural resources that make our state unique. I support responsible development that protects local communities while creating economic opportunity.
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Florida can grow without sacrificing the farms, neighborhoods, and natural resources that make our state unique. I support responsible development that protects local communities while creating economic opportunity.
Florida's clean water and natural landscapes are among our greatest assets. We must protect our springs, rivers, and working lands while ensuring future generations inherit a healthier Florida.
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Florida's clean water and natural landscapes are among our greatest assets. We must protect our springs, rivers, and working lands while ensuring future generations inherit a healthier Florida.
From hurricanes to wildfires, Florida must be ready for every emergency. Preparing before disaster strikes protects lives, supports first responders, and helps communities recover more quickly.
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From hurricanes to wildfires, Florida must be ready for every emergency. Preparing before disaster strikes protects lives, supports first responders, and helps communities recover more quickly.
Standing up for our farms, protecting our water, defending consumers, and preserving the Florida we love.
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Standing up for our farms, protecting our water, defending consumers, and preserving the Florida we love.
Expand and Strengthen “Fresh From Florida” Program
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Expand and Strengthen “Fresh From Florida” Program
Protect farmland from irresponsible development
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Protect farmland from irresponsible development
Protect Florida's water resources
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Protect Florida's water resources
Support firefighters and first responders
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Support firefighters and first responders
I am running for Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture because I believe government should protect the people—not special interests.
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I am running for Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture because I believe government should protect the people—not special interests.
Protect Our food supply
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Protect Our food supply
Ensure major projects respect local communities
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Ensure major projects respect local communities
Invest in long-term environmental stewardship
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Invest in long-term environmental stewardship
In addition to legal and policy experience, I am a sports agent, representing college and professional athletes while negotiating contracts and career opportunities.
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In addition to legal and policy experience, I am a sports agent, representing college and professional athletes while negotiating contracts and career opportunities.
Support economic growth that benefits working families
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Support economic growth that benefits working families
Florida's Department of Agriculture is about more than agriculture. It protects our food supply, our consumers, our natural resources, and the communities that make Florida home. My priorities are simple: protect our farms, protect consumers, and preserve Florida for future generations.
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Florida's Department of Agriculture is about more than agriculture. It protects our food supply, our consumers, our natural resources, and the communities that make Florida home. My priorities are simple: protect our farms, protect consumers, and preserve Florida for future generations.
Implement the DeSantis Bipartisan Blue-Green Algae Task Force Recommendations
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Implement the DeSantis Bipartisan Blue-Green Algae Task Force Recommendations
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Official filings may be amended after publication.
totals captured through August 2, 2026 for 2026 election-cycle records returned by the official summary searches through capture time.
Contributions and expenditures are separate official searches; cash on hand is not inferred.
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Florida Division of Elections
Open Florida Division of ElectionsLink checked September 14, 2026.
Florida Division of Elections
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Florida Division of Elections
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Joey Mendoza Atkins campaign
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