A Law That Serves the Few
On May 15, 2025, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed CS/CS/CS/SB 700, a bill reshaping the state’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. It promises progress with new programs and a beef marketing campaign. But beneath the surface, this law prioritizes corporate agriculture over everyday Floridians. As someone who values fairness and sustainability, I find this deeply troubling. Families, workers, and the environment deserve better.
This bill centers on power. By exempting senior department officials from the Career Service System, it places key decisions in the hands of political appointees. These officials oversee pesticide regulations, food safety, and more. Why would we reduce accountability for roles that directly impact our health and land? The move risks policies swayed by corporate interests rather than public needs.
The bill also mandates that electric utilities offer agricultural land to the state before private sale. On paper, it suggests public benefit. In practice, it creates bureaucratic obstacles that could favor state-connected insiders while small farmers struggle to access land. In a state where minority farmers have long faced barriers, this feels like another missed opportunity for equity.
Then there’s the criminalization of psilocybin-producing spores. It’s a heavy-handed rule that distracts from urgent needs, like stronger consumer protections against deceptive digital practices. Floridians deserve a law that safeguards their rights, not one that serves corporate agendas.
SB 700 reveals a vision of Florida where big business prospers, and ordinary people are left behind. Let’s explore why this matters.
Handing the Reins to Industry
Exempting senior officials from oversight is a glaring flaw. These roles enforce critical standards, from pesticide safety to PFAS contamination. In 2025, when states nationwide are strengthening environmental protections, Florida’s decision to loosen accountability is reckless. It opens the door to industry influence, potentially undermining public health.
Other states are setting a higher bar. California enforces strict consent rules for health data, while New York cracks down on hidden subscription fees. Florida’s SB 700, however, focuses on a beef marketing program and utility land deals, ignoring the need for transparent billing or defenses against AI-driven marketing. Why prioritize corporate projects over families’ rights?
The land acquisition rules are equally troubling. Requiring utilities to offer land to the state could concentrate opportunities among well-connected players. Small farmers, particularly Black and Hispanic producers, need direct support—grants or equitable leasing—not state-controlled gatekeeping. USDA data shows Black farmers own less than 1 percent of Florida’s farmland. This bill fails to address that injustice.
Squandering a Chance for Change
SB 700 had the potential to uplift local food systems and protect consumers. Instead, it bolsters big agriculture. The Cattle Enhancement Board’s beef marketing initiative diverts resources to an already-subsidized industry. Why not invest in regenerative farming or urban agriculture to create jobs and strengthen food security in underserved areas?
Other states show what’s possible. Midwestern programs fund cover cropping, while Western states support drought-resistant seeds. Florida, facing unique climate challenges, could have used this bill to promote climate-smart agriculture or expand rural broadband for farmers. Instead, it prioritizes narrow programs like a Silviculture Emergency Recovery Program, which aids timberland owners but overlooks broader environmental goals.
Consumer protections also fall short. While states like California tackle AI-driven profiling, Florida’s Honest Service Registry feels like a hollow gesture. Consumers need robust safeguards against exploitative practices, not vague initiatives. SB 700’s silence on these issues speaks volumes.
Demanding a Better Future
Florida’s leaders pitch SB 700 as a step forward. But it serves corporate interests over people. Workers need safe food and clean water. Families need fair markets. Small farmers need a level playing field. This bill delivers little for them.
Other states offer a roadmap. Investments in local food hubs, strict data privacy laws, and support for minority farmers show what’s achievable. Florida can lead, but only if we demand policies that prioritize people. SB 700 falls short, favoring the powerful over the public.
The path forward is clear. Hold leaders accountable. Advocate for laws that protect consumers, empower small farmers, and confront climate change. Florida’s future hangs in the balance, and we can’t afford to settle for less.