Florida Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services

The official account of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

[FOX 13 Tampa Bay @FOX13News]

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. https://t.co/TCtxI2puWU

[Florida Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services @FDACS]

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://t.co/j4vhjQCnik

[Florida’s Voice @FLVoiceNews]

WATCH: @FDACS has removed over 23,000 packages of illegal 7-OH kratom concentrates and 1.7 million packages of illicit hemp products targeting children.

Commissioner @WiltonSimpson says new rules will mandate strict, transparent product labeling to protect consumers.

"If adults are using kratom products for medicinal purposes, they need to know what they are receiving."

[Florida Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services @FDACS]

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.”

[Florida Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services @FDACS]

We are doing everything we can to keep your pets safe.

The new Emergency Rule issued today by Commissioner Wilton Simpson prohibits the importation of rescue and shelter dogs and cats from states with confirmed New World Screwworm detections.

Many monthly flea and tick medications can be effective in protecting against New World Screwworm.

Approved treatment for NWS (this page will be updated as information is received): https://t.co/UJxGCCN9gS

[Florida Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services @FDACS]

6/ Since the threat of NWS began moving closer to the U.S., Commissioner Wilton Simpson and FDACS have taken a series of escalating actions to protect Florida's livestock, pets, wildlife, and agricultural economy:

May 12, 2025: FDACS launched statewide awareness and preparedness campaign, urging vigilance and expanding outreach to veterinarians, livestock producers, shelters, and animal health professionals.
April 24, 2026: Commissioner Simpson issued an emergency rule imposing enhanced import requirements on animals from high-risk areas.
June 5, 2026: Commissioner Simpson issued Emergency Rule 5CER26-6 following USDA confirmation of New World Screwworm in Texas.
June 10, 2026: Commissioner Simpson issued Emergency Rule 5CER26-7, that strengthens and expands emergency protections, including restrictions on rescue and shelter animals from affected states and expanded geographic import controls.
June 10, 2026: Commissioner Simpson requested and received approval for an amendment to the current Executive Order issued by Governor DeSantis on the impacts of winter weather, droughts, and wildfire risks.

[Florida Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services @FDACS]

1/ NWS UPDATE: 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.

Read more: https://t.co/l4MtEMiV3B

[Florida Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services @FDACS]

5/ Prompt reporting is critical to protect both animal health and the state’s agricultural economy.

FDACS has created resources to help animal owners and the veterinarian community identify signs of screwworm infestation, which typically appear as slow-healing wounds containing larvae.

More info: https://t.co/QMrzU9dMb0

[Florida Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services @FDACS]

Another 6,200+ acres of working Florida farmland protected from future development!

Commissioner Wilton Simpson announced today that the Governor and Florida Cabinet approved four new Rural and Family Lands Protection Program projects, helping ensure these lands remain productive, protected, and working for Florida for generations to come.

PRESS RELEASE: https://t.co/NDz9gLqHNx
📷: Lauren Yoho/Wildpath

[Florida Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services @FDACS]

Following the detection of the New World Screwworm in South Texas, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson today took aggressive action and issued Emergency Rule 5CER26-6, which places heightened restrictions on the importation of warm-blooded animals into Florida from designated infested zones and high-risk areas.

Learn more: https://t.co/lHRDzjaWip

[Florida Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services @FDACS]

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson Statement on New World Screwworm Detection in South Texas:

[Florida’s Voice @FLVoiceNews]

Florida has issued emergency restrictions on imported dairy cattle following H5N1 outbreaks in herds across multiple states

@WiltonSimpson: "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."

https://t.co/w07EWD9DW6

[Florida’s Voice @FLVoiceNews]

NEW: @WiltonSimpson declares 2026 ‘The Year of the Farmer’ as state budget delivers historic ag funding.

“Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature understand that supporting agriculture means supporting our food supply, our economy, our environment and our way of life."

[Florida Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services @FDACS]

WHEN FARMERS WIN, FLORIDA WINS:

Commissioner of Agriculture and Florida Farmer, Wilton Simpson, Highlights Major Wins for Florida Agriculture in State Budget

Learn more: https://t.co/BxYzSLDcYJ

[Florida’s Voice @FLVoiceNews]

NEW: Ag Commissioner @WiltonSimpson applauds record-breaking funds for Florida land conservation.

“I’m extremely grateful to the entire Florida Legislature for making a historic investment to save Florida’s irreplaceable farmland from development."

[Florida Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services @FDACS]

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 Protection Program.

Learn more: https://t.co/cb3uQcuwIk

[Florida Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services @FDACS]

Florida farmers faced a difficult year marked by freezes, wildfires, and other serious challenges.

In response, the Florida Legislature and Governor DeSantis delivered a budget that makes 2026 The Year of the Farmer.

In the days ahead, we look forward to sharing, as Paul Harvey would say, “the rest of the story” on what this budget means for Florida farmers.

Today, we simply say thank you.