State executive actions and statements

Wilton Simpson public records

266 captured recordsJanuary 3, 2023–July 27, 2026

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This archive reviews every item in the configured official office press archive during the service period. It includes only explicitly attributed actions or direct quotations and excludes mentions, inferred responsibility, and unattributed agency outcomes.

Procedural votes, amendments, nominations, resolutions, final-passage votes, executive actions, and official statements remain separately labeled. A statement or department announcement is not converted into a legislative vote or proof that the officeholder personally performed the underlying work.

Archive status: Complete and directly captured from official state executive actions and statements

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266 records

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  1. Other executive actionOther explicit action

    Commissioner Wilton Simpson Announces New Leadership Team for the Office of Agricultural Water Policy

    Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services press release · Published by the official office

    What this issue meant

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the new leadership team for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (FDACS) Office of Agricultural Water Policy, with Jessica Ferris serving as director and Megan Seward as assistant director. Ferris previously served as the office's interim director and will now lead the office permanently.

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    Official attributed text

    Commissioner Wilton Simpson Announces New Leadership Team for the Office of Agricultural Water Policy

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the new leadership team for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (FDACS) Office of Agricultural Water Policy, with Jessica Ferris serving as director and Megan Seward as assistant director. Ferris previously served as the office's interim director and will now lead the office permanently.

    “Jessica Ferris and Megan Seward are proven public servants with extensive experience in agriculture, natural resources, environmental policy and government operations, and I know they will build on the historic successes of our Office of Agricultural Water Policy,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “Florida's farmers…

  2. Enforcement announcementAnnounced result

    Commissioner Wilton Simpson Announces Arrest of Individual Accused of Illegally Importing Livestock From High-Risk New World Screwworm Area

    Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services press release · Published by the official office

    What this issue meant

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson today announced the arrest of Roger Rodriguez Vega, of Maitland, Florida, who allegedly re-entered Florida with livestock after being denied entry at a Florida agricultural inspection station for failing to provide the veterinary inspection…

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    Commissioner Wilton Simpson Announces Arrest of Individual Accused of Illegally Importing Livestock From High-Risk New World Screwworm Area

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson today announced the arrest of Roger Rodriguez Vega, of Maitland, Florida, who allegedly re-entered Florida with livestock after being denied entry at a Florida agricultural inspection station for failing to provide the veterinary inspection…

    "Florida has taken a proactive and aggressive approach to protecting our livestock, agricultural industry, pets, wildlife, and food supply from the very real threat of New World Screwworm, and we will not tolerate anyone who breaks the law and attempts to circumvent those protections," said Commissioner Wilton Simpson.…

  3. Official appearanceOfficial appearance

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

    Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services press release · Published by the official office

    What this issue meant

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — As Floridians prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July and the 250th anniversary of the United States, Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and the Florida Forest Service are encouraging Floridians to use caution with fireworks and to obey local burn regulations and county burn bans, where…

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

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — As Floridians prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July and the 250th anniversary of the United States, Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and the Florida Forest Service are encouraging Floridians to use caution with fireworks and to obey local burn regulations and county burn bans, where…

  4. EMERGENCY_ACTIONIssued directive

    Following Additional New World Screwworm Detections in Texas and New Mexico, Commissioner Wilton Simpson Strengthens and Extends Emergency Rule Pro...

    Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services press release · Published by the official office

    What this issue meant

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Following additional detections of New World Screwworm (NWS) in Texas and New Mexico, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced today that the department will be further strengthening Florida's already aggressive efforts to prevent the reintroduction of the destructive pest into the state by implementing Emergency Rule, 5CER26-7 [ 126.4 kB ] .

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    Following Additional New World Screwworm Detections in Texas and New Mexico, Commissioner Wilton Simpson Strengthens and Extends Emergency Rule Pro...

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Following additional detections of New World Screwworm (NWS) in Texas and New Mexico, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced today that the department will be further strengthening Florida's already aggressive efforts to prevent the reintroduction of the destructive pest into the state by implementing Emergency Rule, 5CER26-7 [ 126.4 kB ] .

    "New World Screwworm remains an ever-changing situation, and Florida's response will continue to evolve as the facts on the ground evolve," said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson. "We will respond based on facts, not fear. But we will also continue to be the most aggressive state in the nation when it…

  5. Enforcement announcementAnnounced result

    Commissioner Wilton Simpson Announces State Approval to Protect Over 6,200 Acres of Working Agricultural Land

    Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services press release · Published by the official office

    What this issue meant

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced that the Governor and Cabinet, sitting as the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund, have approved the preservation of more than 6,200 acres of working Florida agricultural land through the Florida Department of…

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    Commissioner Wilton Simpson Announces State Approval to Protect Over 6,200 Acres of Working Agricultural Land

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced that the Governor and Cabinet, sitting as the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund, have approved the preservation of more than 6,200 acres of working Florida agricultural land through the Florida Department of…

    “Florida was built by generations of farmers and ranchers who worked the land, cared for it, and passed it on better than they found it. That legacy is worth protecting,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “These properties aren’t just acres on a map. They’re family operations that produce food, support jobs, protect…

  6. EMERGENCY_ACTIONIssued directive

    Following New World Screwworm Detection in Texas, Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson Issues Emergency Rule to Further Protect Florida

    Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services press release · Published by the official office

    What this issue meant

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Following the United States Department of Agriculture confirming the detection of New World Screwworm (NWS) in South Texas, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson today took aggressive action and issued Emergency Rule 5CER26-6, [ Adobe PDF Document ] which places heightened restrictions on the importation of warm-blooded animals into Florida from designated infested zones and high-risk areas.

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    Following New World Screwworm Detection in Texas, Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson Issues Emergency Rule to Further Protect Florida

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Following the United States Department of Agriculture confirming the detection of New World Screwworm (NWS) in South Texas, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson today took aggressive action and issued Emergency Rule 5CER26-6, [ Adobe PDF Document ] which places heightened restrictions on the importation of warm-blooded animals into Florida from designated infested zones and high-risk areas.

  7. EMERGENCY_ACTIONIssued directive

    Commissioner Wilton Simpson Issues Emergency Rule to Further Protect Florida Livestock from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

    Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services press release · Published by the official office

    What this issue meant

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – In addition to previously issued safety protocols and policies, and in response to recent USDA confirmed cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in dairy cattle, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson today issued Emergency Rule 5CER26-4. The Emergency Rule imposes specific movement restrictions and testing requirements for imported dairy cattle into Florida to prevent the spread of HPAI. There have been no detections of HPAI in any livestock in Florida.

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    Commissioner Wilton Simpson Issues Emergency Rule to Further Protect Florida Livestock from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – In addition to previously issued safety protocols and policies, and in response to recent USDA confirmed cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in dairy cattle, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson today issued Emergency Rule 5CER26-4. The Emergency Rule imposes specific movement restrictions and testing requirements for imported dairy cattle into Florida to prevent the spread of HPAI. There have been no detections of HPAI in any livestock in Florida.

    "This emergency rule is another proactive step Florida is taking to protect our livestock, safeguard the health of our citizens, and strengthen the safety and security of our food supply,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “We will continue to work collaboratively with our federal, state, and industry partners to mitigate the risks posed by highly pathogenic avian influenza and ensure the continued safety and integrity of Florida agriculture."

  8. Department resultAnnounced result

    WHEN FARMERS WIN, FLORIDA WINS: Commissioner of Agriculture and Florida Farmer, Wilton Simpson, Highlights Major Wins for Florida Agriculture in St...

    Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services press release · Published by the official office

    What this issue meant

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson highlighted the major victories included in the Florida Legislature’s 2026/2027 state budget that support farmers, prioritize land conservation, strengthen our domestic food supply chain, invest in agricultural education, and more.

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    Official attributed text

    WHEN FARMERS WIN, FLORIDA WINS: Commissioner of Agriculture and Florida Farmer, Wilton Simpson, Highlights Major Wins for Florida Agriculture in St...

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson highlighted the major victories included in the Florida Legislature’s 2026/2027 state budget that support farmers, prioritize land conservation, strengthen our domestic food supply chain, invest in agricultural education, and more.

    “This year’s budget reflects a historic commitment by Senate President Albritton, House Speaker Perez, and the entire Florida Legislature to support Florida’s farmers — the people who quietly and humbly feed our communities, fuel our economy, and protect our natural resources. Florida farmers faced a difficult year…

  9. Official statementPublic statement

    Wilton Simpson Applauds Florida Legislature for Historic Funding to Save Agricultural Lands from Development

    Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services press release · Published by the official office

    What this issue meant

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson applauded the Florida Legislature for passing a state budget that provides $425 million in funding, the largest amount in state history, to save Florida’s working farms and ranches from development through the Rural and Family Lands…

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    Official attributed text

    Wilton Simpson Applauds Florida Legislature for Historic Funding to Save Agricultural Lands from Development

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson applauded the Florida Legislature for passing a state budget that provides $425 million in funding, the largest amount in state history, to save Florida’s working farms and ranches from development through the Rural and Family Lands…

    “I’m extremely grateful to Senate President Ben Albritton, House Speaker Daniel Perez, and the entire Florida Legislature for making a historic investment to save Florida’s irreplaceable farmland from development. These lands, mostly in the Florida Wildlife Corridor, support food production, aquifer recharge, and…

  10. Public guidanceProvided guidance

    Commissioner Wilton Simpson, State Leaders Highlight Current Wildfire Conditions, Urge Residents to Be Wildfire Ready

    Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services press release · Published by the official office

    What this issue meant

    Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson said, “Florida is already nearing our annual wildfire totals, and we are only entering the peak of wildfire season. With drought conditions affecting the entire state, the wildfire threat across Florida remains extremely high. The Florida Forest Service is fully…

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    Official attributed text

    Commissioner Wilton Simpson, State Leaders Highlight Current Wildfire Conditions, Urge Residents to Be Wildfire Ready

    Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson said, “Florida is already nearing our annual wildfire totals, and we are only entering the peak of wildfire season. With drought conditions affecting the entire state, the wildfire threat across Florida remains extremely high. The Florida Forest Service is fully…

  11. Official appearanceOfficial appearance

    MEDIA ADVISORY: Commissioner Wilton Simpson, State Leaders to Provide Wildfire Season Update

    Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services press release · Published by the official office

    What this issue meant

    Commissioner Wilton Simpson, State Leaders to Provide Wildfire Season UpdateBROOKSVILLE, Fla. – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, Attorney General James Uthmeier, Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia, and Florida Forest Service leadership will hold a press conference tomorrow, May 19, 2026, at the…

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    MEDIA ADVISORY: Commissioner Wilton Simpson, State Leaders to Provide Wildfire Season Update

    Commissioner Wilton Simpson, State Leaders to Provide Wildfire Season UpdateBROOKSVILLE, Fla. – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, Attorney General James Uthmeier, Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia, and Florida Forest Service leadership will hold a press conference tomorrow, May 19, 2026, at the…

  12. Other executive actionOther explicit action

    Fresh From Florida Hits 1.5 Million Followers Mark

    Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services press release · Published by the official office

    What this issue meant

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (FDACS) Fresh From Florida Program are celebrating the more than 1.5 million consumers who have followed Fresh From Florida on social media, signed up for a Fresh From Florida…

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    Fresh From Florida Hits 1.5 Million Followers Mark

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (FDACS) Fresh From Florida Program are celebrating the more than 1.5 million consumers who have followed Fresh From Florida on social media, signed up for a Fresh From Florida…

    “The unprecedented success and growth of the Fresh From Florida program is a testament to Florida’s farming families, who are the backbone of our state and grow the fresh, affordable food that nourishes our communities,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “I am proud to support our farmers, ranchers, and fishers, and you can too by following the Fresh From Florida Program online and buying Florida-grown products when shopping at your local grocery store.”

  13. Department resultAnnounced result

    Commissioner Wilton Simpson Highlights Contributions of Florida’s Forest Industry

    Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services press release · Published by the official office

    What this issue meant

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson highlighted new findings from a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) study demonstrating that Florida’s forest industry supported more than 103,000 jobs and generated nearly $29 billion in total economic output in 2023, reinforcing the industry’s vital role in the state’s economy and rural communities.

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    Commissioner Wilton Simpson Highlights Contributions of Florida’s Forest Industry

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson highlighted new findings from a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) study demonstrating that Florida’s forest industry supported more than 103,000 jobs and generated nearly $29 billion in total economic output in 2023, reinforcing the industry’s vital role in the state’s economy and rural communities.

    “Florida’s forest industry is a major economic driver for our state,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “It supports jobs, strengthens rural communities, and provides sustainable products we all rely on. These findings show why it’s so important that we continue to support and invest in Florida forestry.”

  14. Public guidanceProvided guidance

    Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Opens Search for 2026 Florida Future Chef Champion

    Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services press release · Published by the official office

    What this issue meant

    “Parents are paying closer attention to what’s in their children’s food, and they should,” said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson. “The Florida Future Chef competition encourages students to think differently about nutrition by using fresh Florida-grown ingredients instead of relying on heavily processed foods. That’s good for our kids, good for our farmers, and good for Florida.”

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    Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Opens Search for 2026 Florida Future Chef Champion

    “Parents are paying closer attention to what’s in their children’s food, and they should,” said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson. “The Florida Future Chef competition encourages students to think differently about nutrition by using fresh Florida-grown ingredients instead of relying on heavily processed foods. That’s good for our kids, good for our farmers, and good for Florida.”

  15. Funding awardAwarded funding

    Commissioner Wilton Simpson Announces 2026 Winner of Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award

    Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services press release · Published by the official office

    What this issue meant

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced Ernie Barnett as the recipient of the 2026 Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award. The Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award has been presented annually since 1994 and spotlights environmentally innovative growers and ranchers who share a commitment to protecting and preserving Florida’s resources while continuing to produce the world-class agricultural goods we rely on.

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    Commissioner Wilton Simpson Announces 2026 Winner of Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced Ernie Barnett as the recipient of the 2026 Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award. The Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award has been presented annually since 1994 and spotlights environmentally innovative growers and ranchers who share a commitment to protecting and preserving Florida’s resources while continuing to produce the world-class agricultural goods we rely on.

    “Ernie Barnett has spent more than 35 years in the trenches working on Florida’s toughest land and water issues, and his impact speaks for itself,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “Whether it’s his work on Everglades restoration or his service supporting producers across the state, Ernie has always taken a practical approach that benefits both our natural resources and Florida agriculture. It is my honor to recognize him as this year’s Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award recipient.”

  16. Public guidanceProvided guidance

    Commissioner Wilton Simpson, Florida Forest Service Remind Floridians to Report Suspicious Fires During Arson Awareness Week

    Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services press release · Published by the official office

    What this issue meant

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and the Florida Forest Service are reminding Floridians how they can help report suspicious fire activity in Florida’s wildlands and forests during Arson Awareness Week, May 3-9, 2026. Much of the state is under county-mandated burn bans as May begins, and the state has had a busy wildfire season with over 1,900 wildfires already recorded, burning almost 120,000 acres.

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    Commissioner Wilton Simpson, Florida Forest Service Remind Floridians to Report Suspicious Fires During Arson Awareness Week

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and the Florida Forest Service are reminding Floridians how they can help report suspicious fire activity in Florida’s wildlands and forests during Arson Awareness Week, May 3-9, 2026. Much of the state is under county-mandated burn bans as May begins, and the state has had a busy wildfire season with over 1,900 wildfires already recorded, burning almost 120,000 acres.

    “Florida is already in a historic drought this year, and arson is a serious crime that not only threatens property and our natural resources, but it also risks the lives of our citizens and our wildland firefighters,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “Our department does not tolerate anyone who purposefully endangers the lives of Floridians, and we are committed to bringing arsonists to justice. If you see suspicious activity, help protect the lives of citizens and first responders by reporting it.”

  17. EMERGENCY_ACTIONIssued directive

    Commissioner Wilton Simpson Issues Emergency Rule to Further Protect Florida From Threat of New World Screwworm

    Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services press release · Published by the official office

    What this issue meant

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, as New World Screwworm detections are now within 125 miles of the U.S. border, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson took aggressive action to protect Florida from the threat of the New World Screwworm (NWS) by issuing an emergency rule placing temporary restrictions on the…

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    Commissioner Wilton Simpson Issues Emergency Rule to Further Protect Florida From Threat of New World Screwworm

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, as New World Screwworm detections are now within 125 miles of the U.S. border, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson took aggressive action to protect Florida from the threat of the New World Screwworm (NWS) by issuing an emergency rule placing temporary restrictions on the…

  18. Official appearanceOfficial appearance

    MEDIA ADVISORY: Commissioner Wilton Simpson and Florida Forest Service to Host Wildfire Press Conference

    Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services press release · Published by the official office

    What this issue meant

    GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and Florida Forest Service leadership will hold a press conference today, April 21, 2026, in Clay County to provide an update on current wildfires in the area and across the state.All credentialed media are welcome to attend. Please contact Aaron Keller at [email protected] to RSVP.WHAT: Wildfire Press Conference

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    MEDIA ADVISORY: Commissioner Wilton Simpson and Florida Forest Service to Host Wildfire Press Conference

    GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and Florida Forest Service leadership will hold a press conference today, April 21, 2026, in Clay County to provide an update on current wildfires in the area and across the state.All credentialed media are welcome to attend. Please contact Aaron Keller at [email protected] to RSVP.WHAT: Wildfire Press Conference

  19. Other executive actionOther explicit action

    Commissioner Wilton Simpson Announces 2026 Woman of the Year in Agriculture

    Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services press release · Published by the official office

    What this issue meant

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced Dr. LuJean Waters as the 2026 Woman of the Year in Agriculture.

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    Commissioner Wilton Simpson Announces 2026 Woman of the Year in Agriculture

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced Dr. LuJean Waters as the 2026 Woman of the Year in Agriculture.

    “Dr. LuJean Waters has dedicated her life to serving Florida agriculture and the people who keep it strong,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “She understands the responsibility that comes with feeding our state and protecting our agricultural heritage, and she is helping to ensure the next generation is ready to carry that forward. It is an honor to recognize her as the 2026 Woman of the Year in Agriculture.”

  20. Public guidanceProvided guidance

    Commissioner Wilton Simpson, Florida Forest Service Highlight Current Wildfire Conditions and Urge Residents to Be Wildfire Ready

    Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services press release · Published by the official office

    What this issue meant

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, during Florida Wildfire Awareness Week, Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and the Florida Forest Service are urging Floridians to take steps now to be prepared for what is forecasted to be an extremely active peak wildfire season. Florida’s peak wildfire season usually encompasses April, May, and June, and the National Interagency Fire Center has predicted an “above normal significant wildfire potential” across the state this year.

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    Commissioner Wilton Simpson, Florida Forest Service Highlight Current Wildfire Conditions and Urge Residents to Be Wildfire Ready

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, during Florida Wildfire Awareness Week, Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and the Florida Forest Service are urging Floridians to take steps now to be prepared for what is forecasted to be an extremely active peak wildfire season. Florida’s peak wildfire season usually encompasses April, May, and June, and the National Interagency Fire Center has predicted an “above normal significant wildfire potential” across the state this year.

  21. Public guidanceProvided guidance

    MEDIA ADVISORY Commissioner Wilton Simpson and Florida Forest Service to Host Wildfire Press Conference

    Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services press release · Published by the official office

    What this issue meant

    DOVER, Fla. – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and Florida Forest Service leadership will hold a press conference tomorrow, April 7, 2026, in Hillsborough County to discuss Florida’s current wildfire conditions and urge residents to be wildfire ready.

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    MEDIA ADVISORY Commissioner Wilton Simpson and Florida Forest Service to Host Wildfire Press Conference

    DOVER, Fla. – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and Florida Forest Service leadership will hold a press conference tomorrow, April 7, 2026, in Hillsborough County to discuss Florida’s current wildfire conditions and urge residents to be wildfire ready.

  22. Enforcement announcementAnnounced result

    Commissioner Wilton Simpson Announces Permanent Protection of Farmland in Putnam and Madison Counties

    Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services press release · Published by the official office

    What this issue meant

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the permanent protection of nearly 1,450 acres of working Florida agricultural land through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. Rural lands protection easements…

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    Commissioner Wilton Simpson Announces Permanent Protection of Farmland in Putnam and Madison Counties

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the permanent protection of nearly 1,450 acres of working Florida agricultural land through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. Rural lands protection easements…

    “Florida’s future depends on our ability to protect the land that feeds, fuels, and supports our state, and that starts with keeping working lands in production,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “At a time when growth and outside pressures are threatening to reshape Florida, this program ensures our agricultural lands stay in the hands of Florida families, strengthens our domestic food supply, and protects the natural resources that make this state strong and self-reliant.”

  23. Policy proposalProposed policy

    Commissioner Wilton Simpson Celebrates Signing of Historic 2026 Florida Farm Bill

    Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services press release · Published by the official office

    What this issue meant

    SEBRING, Fla. — Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson joined Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida legislative leaders, and agriculture industry champions in Highlands County as the 2026 Florida Farm Bill was officially signed into law. Sponsored by Senator Keith Truenow and Representative Danny Alvarez, Senate Bill 290 delivers major victories for Florida’s farmers, ranchers, fishers, families, and rural communities.

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    Commissioner Wilton Simpson Celebrates Signing of Historic 2026 Florida Farm Bill

    SEBRING, Fla. — Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson joined Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida legislative leaders, and agriculture industry champions in Highlands County as the 2026 Florida Farm Bill was officially signed into law. Sponsored by Senator Keith Truenow and Representative Danny Alvarez, Senate Bill 290 delivers major victories for Florida’s farmers, ranchers, fishers, families, and rural communities.

    “The Free State of Florida just delivered another major win for the people who feed our state and our nation,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “With the legislative leaders’ hard work this session and Governor DeSantis’ signature, the 2026 Florida Farm Bill is now law – protecting our farmers from government…

  24. Official statementPublic statement

    Commissioner Wilton Simpson Applauds USDA Issuing Disaster Declaration for Florida

    Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services press release · Published by the official office

    What this issue meant

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson issued the following statement after U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced a USDA disaster declaration that supports Florida's agricultural producers impacted by historic freezes:

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    Official attributed text

    Commissioner Wilton Simpson Applauds USDA Issuing Disaster Declaration for Florida

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson issued the following statement after U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced a USDA disaster declaration that supports Florida's agricultural producers impacted by historic freezes:

  25. Enforcement announcementAnnounced result

    Commissioner Wilton Simpson Announces Permanent Protection of Nearly 2,600 Acres of Working Timberland

    Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services press release · Published by the official office

    What this issue meant

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the permanent protection of nearly 2,600 acres of working Florida agricultural land through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. Rural lands protection easements…

    The record reports only the action or statement explicitly attributed to the officeholder. Agency results are not described as work performed personally unless the official source says so.
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    Official attributed text

    Commissioner Wilton Simpson Announces Permanent Protection of Nearly 2,600 Acres of Working Timberland

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the permanent protection of nearly 2,600 acres of working Florida agricultural land through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. Rural lands protection easements…

    “Florida’s working agricultural lands are part of our heritage, and it’s our responsibility to protect them,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “I am proud to announce another win for Florida through our Rural and Family Lands Protection Program today. We are permanently protecting nearly 2,600 acres of productive…