Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (2024)

FAQs

What does the Florida Department of agricultural and Consumer Services do? ›

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services supports and promotes Florida agriculture, protects the environment, safeguards consumers, and ensures the safety and wholesomeness of food.

Members of the media can contact the Office of Communications at [email protected].

The USDA is responsible for overseeing farming, ranching, and forestry industries, as well as regulating aspects of food quality and safety and nutrition labeling. The USDA is further tasked with administering several social welfare programs including free school lunches and food stamps.

We provide leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and related issues based on public policy, the best available science, and effective management.

Wilton Simpson, Florida's 13th Commissioner of Agriculture, is a fifth-generation Floridian, proud to be born and raised in the Sunshine State.

A qualified farmer desiring to obtain a TEAM Card must complete an Application for a Florida Farm Tax Exempt Agricultural Materials (TEAM) Card (Form DR-1 TEAM). Qualified farmers may apply online or obtain a copy of Form DR-1 TEAM to apply by mail at floridarevenue.com/forms, under the Sales and Use Tax category.

Only land that is used for growing plants and necessary service areas shall be classified as agriculture. Land used for landscape service business is not an agricultural use. A bona fide commercial irrigation system must be in place.

If you cannot determine who might assist you with your problem, call the Division of Consumer Services at 800-435-7352. The other state agency with general consumer interest responsibilities is the Florida Department of Legal Affairs of the Florida Attorney General.

Home - Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. Supporting and promoting Florida agriculture, the environment, consumers, and ensuring the safety and quality of food.

Who regulates pest control in Florida? ›

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) regulates and licenses the pest control industry under the authority of the Structural Pest Control Act, Chapter 482, Florida Statutes, and the associated rules, Chapter 5E-14, Florida Administrative Code.

Floridians, call 1-800-HELP-FLA (1-800-435-7352) to report water-contaminated fuel issues to the department.

Duties. The commissioner heads the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, an agglomeration of 12 divisions and seven offices involved in the regulation and promotion of Florida's agriculture and consumer services industries.

The Consumer Protection Division of the Office of the Attorney General is the civil enforcement authority for violations of the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act and related laws.

The Consumer Services Unit (CSU) is where the complaint process begins. It is the central intake for all complaints, including complaints alleging the practice of a healthcare profession or the operation of facilities/establishments without the appropriate license.

From the inspection of domestic product, imports, and exports; conducting risk assessments; and educating the public about the importance of food safety, USDA is there.

The Florida Farm Bureau Federation's mission is to be “One voice advocating for viable farm families and enriching the quality of life for all Floridians.” The vision of Florida Farm Bureau is to be “The Voice of Florida Agriculture.” Our policy positions reflect the values and opinions shared by most Floridians.

Florida's climate makes it ideal for growing a variety of crops. Among Florida's top agricultural products are oranges, greenhouse and nursery products, cane for sugar, and cattle and calves.