Florida Senate Advances Farm Bill After Stripping Food-Disparagement Expansion

Overview

• Senators removed Section 48 in committee and advanced SB 290 to a full Senate vote after hours of public testimony.
• The discarded language would have extended Florida’s disparagement law to non‑perishable products and agricultural practices and allowed attorney‑fee awards for producers.
• Environmental groups, free‑speech advocates and MAHA supporters crowded hearings, warning the proposal would chill debate on food safety and farming.
• Bill sponsor Sen. Keith Truenow argued the expansion aimed to shield farmers from knowingly false, harmful attacks on their livelihoods.
• Rep. Michelle Salzman has indicated the House version will also drop the provision, though no amendment has been filed and the final outcome remains uncertain.