The bill amends Florida Statutes to rename the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program to the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Emergency Loan Program. It expands the use of loan funds to cover labor costs and the resetting and replanting of agriculture and aquaculture commodities. The maximum loan amount is increased to $1.5 million, and applicants affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton may qualify for a supplemental loan of up to $1 million, which will not count towards the maximum limit. The bill also revises eligibility criteria, allows for the renewal of loan applications, and permits the deferral or waiver of loan payments under specific circumstances.

Furthermore, the bill establishes the Silviculture Emergency Recovery Program to provide grants to timber landowners affected by declared emergencies, ensuring coordination with state agencies to avoid duplication of funding sources. It also creates a Citrus Research and Development Foundation (CRDF) program to support research and field trials against citrus pests and diseases. The CRDF Foundation is tasked with managing a comprehensive field trial program to evaluate treatments for citrus diseases, including data collection and the development of an integrated data management system. The department is required to assist the CRDF Foundation and secure necessary funding for administrative costs, with the provisions of the act set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 1159 Filed: 570.822