In response to a historic freeze, widespread drought, and an increase in wildfires, Florida Agriculture Secretary Wilton Simpson announced he has issued an emergency order to assist farmers, ranchers, and producers.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) will immediately suspend site visits for certain Best Management Practices (BMP) programs to ensure that agricultural producers are properly implementing BMPs. The combined effects of the recent freeze, drought, and increased wildfire activity have made on-site verification of BMPs impractical or impossible for many producers.
“This emergency order is a practical way to help farmers, ranchers, and producers who are still dealing with the widespread and devastating effects of a historic freeze, a statewide drought, and an increase in wildfires,” Simpson said. “Florida’s farmers and ranchers are some of the toughest and most resilient people we’ve ever met, but recent weather has caused significant crop loss, damage, and operational disruption. This emergency order allows our nation’s producers to focus on immediate recovery, not government restrictions.”
Per Emergency Order 2026-002, Director Wilton Simpson has temporarily suspended the following activities:
A BMP Implementation Verification Visit for growers enrolled in the BMP Manual for citrus, nursery, specialty fruit and nut crops, vegetable and agricultural crops, and turf crops in all Florida counties with implementation verification visits due during the effective period of this order.
FDACS is required to visit BMP implementation verification sites for properties enrolled in the BMP program every two years. During these site visits, FDACS personnel ensure that the applicable BMPs are properly implemented at the registered facility.
