The official account of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
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NWS UPDATE from Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson:
“Over a year ago, when we heard the New World Screwworm could be a threat to the U.S., FDACS started modernizing traps that our trained scientists can use to help with fly detection. I am pleased to report our traps work and are being used today in Texas and New Mexico. Our staff will be placing these traps strategically throughout Florida as well.
“Detection is a major key in response efforts, and Florida will continue to be a strong partner with the USDA and our other states in combatting and eradicating the NWS.
“We have no reports of NWS in Florida at this time. Let’s all stay vigilant to keep it out of Florida.”
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We are doing everything we can to keep your pets safe.
The new Emergency Rule issued today by Commissioner Wilton Simpson prohibits the importation of rescue and shelter dogs and cats from states with confirmed New World Screwworm detections.
Many monthly flea and tick medications can be effective in protecting against New World Screwworm.
Approved treatment for NWS (this page will be updated as information is received): tinyurl.com/4zcd8zcx
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1/ NWS UPDATE: Following additional detections of New World Screwworm (NWS) in Texas and New Mexico, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced today that the department will be further strengthening Florida's already aggressive efforts to prevent the reintroduction of the destructive pest into the state by implementing Emergency Rule, 5CER26-7.
Read more: tinyurl.com/84whcx43
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5/ Prompt reporting is critical to protect both animal health and the state’s agricultural economy.
FDACS has created resources to help animal owners and the veterinarian community identify signs of screwworm infestation, which typically appear as slow-healing wounds containing larvae.
More info: FDACS.gov/NWS
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6/ Since the threat of NWS began moving closer to the U.S., Commissioner Wilton Simpson and FDACS have taken a series of escalating actions to protect Florida's livestock, pets, wildlife, and agricultural economy:
May 12, 2025: FDACS launched statewide awareness and preparedness campaign, urging vigilance and expanding outreach to veterinarians, livestock producers, shelters, and animal health professionals.
April 24, 2026: Commissioner Simpson issued an emergency rule imposing enhanced import requirements on animals from high-risk areas.
June 5, 2026: Commissioner Simpson issued Emergency Rule 5CER26-6 following USDA confirmation of New World Screwworm in Texas.
June 10, 2026: Commissioner Simpson issued Emergency Rule 5CER26-7, that strengthens and expands emergency protections, including restrictions on rescue and shelter animals from affected states and expanded geographic import controls.
June 10, 2026: Commissioner Simpson requested and received approval for an amendment to the current Executive Order issued by Governor DeSantis on the impacts of winter weather, droughts, and wildfire risks.
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Another 6,200 acres of working Florida farmland protected from future development!
Commissioner Wilton Simpson announced today that the Governor and Florida Cabinet approved four new Rural and Family Lands Protection Program projects, helping ensure these lands remain productive, protected, and working for Florida for generations to come.
PRESS RELEASE: tinyurl.com/2m72h96t
📷: Lauren Yoho/Wildpath
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Following the detection of the New World Screwworm in South Texas, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson today took aggressive action and issued Emergency Rule 5CER26-6, which places heightened restrictions on the importation of warm-blooded animals into Florida from designated infested zones and high-risk areas.
Learn more: tinyurl.com/59zncxhn
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Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson Statement on New World Screwworm Detection in South Texas:
ALT Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson Statement on New World Screwworm Detection in South Texas: “We have been working in close coordination with federal, state, and industry partners to prepare for the New World Screwworm’s arrival in the U.S. “In Florida, we have proactively taken emergency actions to protect Florida from this threat, and we will continue to monitor and respond as needed. “We are going to need a unified front from the government, our agriculture community, and the public to respond to this threat.”
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Florida Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services retweeted
Jun 4
Florida has issued emergency restrictions on imported dairy cattle following H5N1 outbreaks in herds across multiple states
@WiltonSimpson: "This emergency rule is another proactive step Florida is taking to protect our livestock, safeguard the health of our citizens, and strengthen the safety and security of our food supply."
flvoicenews.com/florida-tigh…
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Florida Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services retweeted
Jun 2
NEW: @WiltonSimpson declares 2026 ‘The Year of the Farmer’ as state budget delivers historic ag funding.
“Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature understand that supporting agriculture means supporting our food supply, our economy, our environment and our way of life."
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WHEN FARMERS WIN, FLORIDA WINS:
Commissioner of Agriculture and Florida Farmer, Wilton Simpson, Highlights Major Wins for Florida Agriculture in State Budget
Learn more: tinyurl.com/2myrp4n9
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Florida Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services retweeted
Jun 1
NEW: Ag Commissioner @WiltonSimpson applauds record-breaking funds for Florida land conservation.
“I’m extremely grateful to the entire Florida Legislature for making a historic investment to save Florida’s irreplaceable farmland from development."
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Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson applauded the Florida Legislature for passing a state budget that provides $425 million in funding, the largest amount in state history, to save Florida’s working farms and ranches from development through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.
Learn more: tinyurl.com/52m4jmpw
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Florida farmers faced a difficult year marked by freezes, wildfires, and other serious challenges.
In response, the Florida Legislature and Governor DeSantis delivered a budget that makes 2026 The Year of the Farmer.
In the days ahead, we look forward to sharing, as Paul Harvey would say, “the rest of the story” on what this budget means for Florida farmers.
Today, we simply say thank you.
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Florida Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services retweeted
May 27
🚨 OALE officers in Hamilton County uncovered a loaded firearm and drugs during a routine agricultural inspection.
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Florida Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services retweeted
May 27
WILDFIRES VS. TROPICAL DOWNPOURS 🌧️🔥: Following a highly active and dangerous start to the wildfire season, recent rainfall has created a "major blessing" for the Sunshine State. Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson joins FOX Weather to explain how the upcoming tropical downpours will make a big difference to the state's active blazes.
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Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson held a press conference alongside Attorney General James Uthmeier, Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Blaise Ingoglia, and Florida Forest Service leadership to provide an update on current wildfire conditions across the state, the wildfire outlook for the coming months, and information on what Floridians can do to prevent wildfires.
Read more: tinyurl.com/d8m8k98d
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