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 agricultural and aquaculture commodities. The maximum loan amount is increased to $1.5 million, and applicants affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton may receive 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 assist timber landowners affected by declared emergencies, providing grants for timber stand restoration, site preparation, and road clearing. It requires coordination with state agencies to ensure that timber landowners have access to financial assistance while avoiding duplication with other funding sources. The bill also assigns the Citrus Research and Development Foundation (CRDF) the responsibility to manage a comprehensive field trial program for evaluating treatments for citrus diseases, including data collection and the development of an integrated data management system. The department is mandated to assist the CRDF in securing necessary funding for these efforts, with the provisions of the act set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 1159 Filed: 570.822