Wilton Simpson’s Florida Farm Bill passes after discussion of ‘soy boys,’ Yoo-hoo and drugged-up water

TALLAHASSEE, FLA. 3/4/25-Gov. Ron DeSantis, right, greets Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, left, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson and Attorney General James Uthmeier, left, during the opening day of the 2025 Legislative Session, Tuesday at the Capitol in Tallahassee. COLIN HACKLEY PHOTO

The top legislative priority of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (SB 700) is now one signature from becoming law after an 88-27 vote in the House.

Some provisions were controversial — specifically, the proposed ban of psychedelic mushrooms and the representation of a plant product as milk or meat.

Critics also pushed back against provisions preempting water supply regulation to the state, banning localities from inserting additives, including fluoride.

Democrats chipped away at the bill’s provisions in questions and debate.

Rep. Anna Eskamani, a vegan, wondered if Floridians “knew what was in hot dogs,” asking about the “transparent and accurate labeling” of plant-based simulations of animal products.

Republican Rep. Kaylee Tuck, the House sponsor, said as a teen she once confused Yoo-hoo with chocolate milk. To that end, she spotlighted provisions requiring labeling for “substitute” products with an aim toward “truth in labeling” consistent with federal standards for milk, meat and poultry.

Milk, for example, must come from a “hooved animal.”

Fluoride, a familiar flashpoint this year, came up yet again. Tuck noted that the term wasn’t in the bill, but the idea of a “health additive” is.

Eskamani filed an amendment stripping the health additive provision to protect fluoridation, but the numbers weren’t with her proposal.

“Removing fluoride,” she said, “ignores basic scientific concerns.”

Another Eskamani amendment for “soy boys and vegan girlies” striking the “anticompetitive” labeling language was also turfed.

During debate, Republican Rep. Danny Alvarez said opponents of labeling changes sought to perpetuate “falsehoods.” He also said that the water additives piece is about “liberty” itself.

“Does the government have the right,” he asked, “to put medicines and drugs in your body that you did not consent to?”

Some provisions of the bill were less controversial, including a ban on flying drones over farmland or harassing people with drones anywhere in the state.

The legislation would also offer a ballot initiative where voters could choose to exempt agricultural lands from property taxes.

The measure proposes grants for fiscally constrained counties to get electric vehicle charging stations.

It would also allow schools to maintain agricultural spaces for the Future Farmers of America and the 4H Club by exempting the schools from local zoning that would otherwise ban it.

Mail theft is already a federally banned activity, but the bill would give the state enforcement ability.

Following the bill’s approval, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson said, “This legislation is a blueprint for protecting Floridians and our freedoms.

“We are banning medicine — including fluoride — from Florida’s public water systems. We are keeping foreign countries of concern out of Florida’s charitable organizations. We are ensuring honesty in food labeling — milk comes from a cow, not an almond. We are upholding Second Amendment rights and cracking down on drone harassment of hunters. This is what bold, conservative leadership looks like, and I thank Senator Keith Truenow, Representative Kaylee Tuck, and Representative Danny Alvarez for delivering this historic bill.”

This bill is supported by Heritage Action, the Heartland Institute, the National Rifle Association, the Florida Agritourism Association, the Florida Feed Association, the Florida Poultry Association, the Florida Farm Bureau Federation and the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association.