U.S. News
Arctic Freezes Crush Florida Farms $3B
Clear Facts
- Preliminary estimates exceed $3 billion in agricultural losses from historic freezes.
- 66 counties endured freezing temperatures during two major events.
- Sugarcane losses top $1.15 billion, citrus $675 million, strawberries $307 million.
- Sweet corn $255 million, tomatoes $164 million, bell peppers $108 million damaged.
- Commissioner Wilton Simpson praises Trump administration support for recovery.
Florida’s agriculture industry faces devastating losses over $3.1 billion from brutal Arctic blasts in late 2025 and early 2026.
Two unexpected freezes struck during peak planting and growth, destroying crops unaccustomed to such cold in the Sunshine State.
“Our preliminary estimate of over $3 billion in agricultural losses makes clear what we already knew: This was one of the most damaging freeze events for Florida agriculture in history. It is also clear that our state’s farmers, ranchers, and growers – who we rely on daily to feed and nourish our communities – need timely and substantial support,” stated Commissioner Wilton Simpson.
The first event hit from late December into early January 2026, chilling most of Florida except the Keys.
A February deep freeze shattered records across vital production regions for vegetables, fruits, citrus, and more.
Producers struggled with immature crops, high winds, labor shortages, and inadequate protection amid the cold snaps.
“I want to thank President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins for their unprecedented support for our food producers, especially during times of crisis like this. They know that a strong domestic food supply is critical to our nation’s security, and Florida’s farmers feed America, especially during the winter,” said Simpson.
“Working hand in hand with producer groups and our congressional delegation, we stand ready to accept and quickly administer federal block grant funding to support our impacted producers to recover, to replant, and to keep our nation fed.”
American farmers deserve swift federal aid to rebuild and secure our food supply against erratic weather.
Support traditional agriculture that feeds the heartland.
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