Press ReleaseBipartisan2026-06-02

Franklin, Cammack, Scott, Moody Introduce Florida Freeze Disaster Assistance Act To Support Florida Growers

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This press release from Representative Scott Franklin (R-FL) was published on 2026-06-02 and titled "Franklin, Cammack, Scott, Moody Introduce Florida Freeze Disaster Assistance Act To Support Florida Growers".

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Franklin, Cammack, Scott, Moody Introduce Florida Freeze Disaster Assistance Act To Support Florida Growers

Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) and Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03) today introduced their bipartisan Florida Freeze Disaster Assistance Act, which would provide $3.5 billion in disaster assistance to help Florida’s agricultural producers recover after the devastating freeze in January 2026. Franklin and Cammack were joined by a majority of the Florida Congressional Delegation. Senators Scott (R-FL) and Moody (R-FL) introduced companion legislation in the Senate. “Florida agriculture operates differently than much of the country, and our disaster response policies need to reflect that reality,” said Congressman Scott Franklin, Vice Chair of the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee. “When a severe freeze hits Florida, many specialty crops and multi-year commodities face years of production losses, replanting costs and long-term financial impacts. Too often, growers are forced into a slow, one size fits all federal process that fails to reflect the realities of Florida agriculture. My legislation is an America First farm policy that ensures our growers stay in business, strengthening our domestic food supply and reducing dependence on foreign producers.” "Food security is national security. Right now, Florida's farmers need us to deliver," said Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03). "As the only Floridian on the House Agriculture Committee, I've seen up close what this freeze did to our growers. Whole crops gone. Families who don't know if they can plant again. In March, I led our delegation in urging Secretary Rollins to grant Commissioner Simpson's disaster declaration request, and we got it done. This bill puts Florida in charge of its own recovery instead of waiting on Washington. I'm proud to work with Congressman Franklin to deliver the relief our farmers need." “Florida farmers and ranchers produce the best food in the world, but this freeze has been tough for them, and the entire agriculture industry,” said Senator Rick Scott. “Our state feeds families and creates jobs across the country. Put simply, everyone needs relief here, and that’s why I’m proud to lead this bill in the Senate alongside my fellow Floridians in the House. Our farmers and ranchers are resilient; they will bounce back. It’s time to provide them with the assistance they need to do that.” “While lots of Floridians experienced the historic freeze earlier this year, our farmers were especially hard hit with significant damage to many of their crops,” said Senator Ashley Moody. “I’m glad to see this important legislation that provides emergency funding to deliver disaster assistance through State-administered block grants. I will continue fighting to ensure our farmers have what they need to succeed when it comes to feeding Florida and the rest of the nation.” “I want to thank Florida’s congressional delegation for advancing the Florida Freeze Disaster Assistance Act and its much-needed relief for Florida’s farmers and growers, who are still recovering from some of the most devastating freezes our state has ever experienced,” said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson. “I am also grateful to President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins for their unprecedented support for America’s farmers, especially in times of crisis. This funding will provide critical assistance to help impacted producers recover, replant, and continue doing what they do best — feeding families across the state, the nation, and around the world. Understanding that Food security is national security, we stand ready to administer these federal block grant funds and ensure assistance reaches Florida producers as quickly as possible.” "Florida's farmers and ranchers were hit by a devastating freeze earlier this year that caused more than $3 billion in agricultural losses across our state," said Jeb S. Smith, President, Florida Farm Bureau Federation. "This legislation is a critical step toward delivering timely, flexible relief to the producers who feed our communities and keep our rural economies strong. We appreciate Congressman Franklin and Congresswoman Cammack's leadership in advancing a block grant approach that will allow Florida to respond quickly and efficiently to the unique needs of our growers. We urge Congress to act swiftly to ensure our farmers have the support they need to recover and continue producing." “Florida’s strawberry growers experienced catastrophic losses from this year’s historic freeze during the peak of our production season,” said Kenneth Parker, Executive Director, Florida Strawberry Growers Association. “Many family farms suffered extensive crop damage, lost revenue, and increased recovery costs that threaten the long-term viability of their operations. The Florida Strawberry Growers Association strongly supports Congressman Scott Franklin and Congresswoman Kat Cammack’s efforts to provide critical freeze disaster assistance to Florida agriculture. This legislation will help ensure grower

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Franklin, Cammack, Scott, Moody Introduce Florida Freeze Disaster Assistance Act To Support Florida Growers Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) and Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03) today introduced their bipartisan Florida Freeze Disaster Assistance Act, which would provide $3.5 billion in disaster assistance to help Florida’s agricultural producers recover after the devastating freeze in January 2026. Franklin and Cammack were joined by a majority of the Florida Congressional Delegation. Senators Scott (R-FL) and Moody (R-FL) introduced companion legislation in the Senate. “Florida agriculture operates differently than much of the country, and our disaster response policies need to reflect that reality,” said Congressman Scott Franklin, Vice Chair of the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee. “When a severe freeze hits Florida, many specialty crops and multi-year commodities face years of production losses, replanting costs and long-term financial impacts. Too often, growers are forced into a slow, one size fits all federal process that fails to reflect the realities of Florida agriculture. My legislation is an America First farm policy that ensures our growers stay in business, strengthening our domestic food supply and reducing dependence on foreign producers.” "Food security is national security. Right now, Florida's farmers need us to deliver," said Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03). "As the only Floridian on the House Agriculture Committee, I've seen up close what this freeze did to our growers. Whole crops gone. Families who don't know if they can plant again. In March, I led our delegation in urging Secretary Rollins to grant Commissioner Simpson's disaster declaration request, and we got it done. This bill puts Florida in charge of its own recovery instead of waiting on Washington. I'm proud to work with Congressman Franklin to deliver the relief our farmers need." “Florida farmers and ranchers produce the best food in the world, but this freeze has been tough for them, and the entire agriculture industry,” said Senator Rick Scott. “Our state feeds families and creates jobs across the country. Put simply, everyone needs relief here, and that’s why I’m proud to lead this bill in the Senate alongside my fellow Floridians in the House. Our farmers and ranchers are resilient; they will bounce back. It’s time to provide them with the assistance they need to do that.” “While lots of Floridians experienced the historic freeze earlier this year, our farmers were especially hard hit with significant damage to many of their crops,” said Senator Ashley Moody. “I’m glad to see this important legislation that provides emergency funding to deliver disaster assistance through State-administered block grants. I will continue fighting to ensure our farmers have what they need to succeed when it comes to feeding Florida and the rest of the nation.” “I want to thank Florida’s congressional delegation for advancing the Florida Freeze Disaster Assistance Act and its much-needed relief for Florida’s farmers and growers, who are still recovering from some of the most devastating freezes our state has ever experienced,” said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson. “I am also grateful to President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins for their unprecedented support for America’s farmers, especially in times of crisis. This funding will provide critical assistance to help impacted producers recover, replant, and continue doing what they do best — feeding families across the state, the nation, and around the world. Understanding that Food security is national security, we stand ready to administer these federal block grant funds and ensure assistance reaches Florida producers as quickly as possible.” "Florida's farmers and ranchers were hit by a devastating freeze earlier this year that caused more than $3 billion in agricultural losses across our state," said Jeb S. Smith, President, Florida Farm Bureau Federation. "This legislation is a critical step toward delivering timely, flexible relief to the producers who feed our communities and keep our rural economies strong. We appreciate Congressman Franklin and Congresswoman Cammack's leadership in advancing a block grant approach that will allow Florida to respond quickly and efficiently to the unique needs of our growers. We urge Congress to act swiftly to ensure our farmers have the support they need to recover and continue producing." “Florida’s strawberry growers experienced catastrophic losses from this year’s historic freeze during the peak of our production season,” said Kenneth Parker, Executive Director, Florida Strawberry Growers Association. “Many family farms suffered extensive crop damage, lost revenue, and increased recovery costs that threaten the long-term viability of their operations. The Florida Strawberry Growers Association strongly supports Congressman Scott Franklin and Congresswoman Kat Cammack’s efforts to provide critical freeze disaster assistance to Florida agriculture. This legislation will help ensure grower