All registered voters in the state of Florida can cast a ballot for Chief Financial Officer.
The Florida Agriculture Commissioner oversees the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). This agency dedicates its efforts to supporting and promoting Florida agriculture, protecting the environment, safeguarding consumers, and ensuring the safety and wholesomeness of food.
FDACS Oversight: As the head of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Commissioner manages the diverse programs and activities that directly impact the lives of Floridians.
Program Promotion: The Commissioner actively promotes Florida’s 300 agricultural commodities across the United States and internationally, contributing to the economic success of the state’s agricultural sector.
Environmental Protection: Oversight includes protecting Florida’s livestock, honey bees, and crop plants from pests and diseases, as well as implementing best management practices to conserve water and prevent pollution.
Consumer Protection: The Commissioner ensures consumer safety by regulating and mediating, safeguarding against unlawful and deceptive business practices, and serving as the state’s clearinghouse for consumer concerns.
Food Safety: Overseeing food safety, the Commissioner analyzes more than 15,000 food samples annually. Ensuring food safety includes testing for toxins, allergens, chemical contaminants, pesticide residues, food additives, and fraudulent formulations.
Wildfire Management: The Commissioner manages over a million acres of state forest land, addressing multiple uses such as timber, wildlife habitat, and recreation. Additionally, they play a crucial role in fighting wildfires to protect lives and property.
Concealed Carry License Issuance – The Commissioner of Agriculture issues licences for the concealed carry of weapons in the state of Florida.
Cabinet Officer Responsibilities (Chapter 19, Florida Statutes):
Collaborative Decision-Making: As a member of the state Cabinet, the Agriculture Commissioner collaborates with other Cabinet officers in decisions impacting various statewide issues beyond the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Policy Formulation: The Commissioner contributes an agricultural perspective to discussions on education, finance, legal affairs, and other state-level concerns, actively participating in the collective decision-making process.
Wilton Simpson, Florida's 13th Commissioner of Agriculture, is a fifth-generation Floridian and lifelong farmer with over four decades of experience in a large-scale egg-laying operation. Born and raised in Florida, he has a deep connection to the state's agriculture. As Commissioner, he oversees the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, prioritizing the challenges faced by the state's farmers. Simpson's legislative efforts include supporting Florida agriculture, advocating for Florida-grown food, defending second amendment rights, and emphasizing agriculture as a national security issue. His history of community involvement and legislative service, including serving as Senate President from 2020 to 2022, reflects his commitment to protecting the environment, ensuring food supply safety, and advocating for consumers. Simpson resides in Pasco County with his family, and among his accomplishments, he takes pride in his role as a grandfather to two granddaughters.
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