Up to $600M in disaster relief now available to Florida growers

Florida agricultural producers can now apply for more than $600 million in disaster assistance related to losses from the 2023 and 2024 hurricane seasons.

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the grant funding to assist with infrastructure damage, market loss, citrus loss, and timber damage through the Florida Block Grant Disaster Relief Program.

“Florida’s farmers, ranchers and growers suffered billions of dollars in damages and losses during the 2023 and 2024 hurricane seasons, and this grant program offers them much-needed financial support,” Simpson said in a statement. “We are also prepared to administer additional financial resources, as soon as federal approval is granted, for producers impacted by the recent and historic freezes.”

Before starting the application process, producers are encouraged to review eligibility information and gather required documentation. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has launched an online information hub at FDACS.gov/BlockGrant with information regarding eligibility, documentation requirements and application details.

The program is open to agricultural producers located in counties designated as primary or contiguous disaster areas who are U.S. citizens or legal entities with ownership or risk in affected commodities.

Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis and must be submitted by Aug. 25 or until funds are exhausted.

More than $600 million in federal funding represents approximately 35% of Florida’s total agricultural losses and damage from the 2023 and 2024 hurricane seasons., according to FDACS.

Simpson has asked the federal government for approval to use Florida’s disaster block grant program to immediately fund relief for agricultural producers affected by recent freezes. Simpson said preliminary estimates show $3 billion in total estimated losses across the state’s various agricultural sectors.