Florida Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services

Commissioner Wilton Simpson today announced the arrest of Roger Rodriguez Vega, who allegedly re-entered Florida with livestock after being denied entry at a Florida agricultural inspection station for failing to provide the veterinary inspection documentation required under Florida’s New World Screwworm emergency protections. The animals, 24 sheep and goats, originated from Texas – a high-risk area subject to Florida's enhanced New World Screwworm import restrictions. Learn more: tinyurl.com/97xex4ep

Scam Alert: “Puppy Flipping” Investigation Leads to Felony Arrest 🐾

🚨From July 13 to July 18, 2026, the Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement and law enforcement partners across the Southeast are cracking down on speeding and aggressive driving as part of the week-long Operation Southern Slowdown. 🚔Remember, stay safe and slow down!

Fireworks will illuminate the Florida sky this Fourth of July as residents celebrate America's 250th birthday, but officials are preaching caution amid statewide drought conditions. fox13news.com/news/fourth-ju…

Commissioner Wilton Simpson: Floridians Can Let Freedom Ring During Fourth of July and America 250 Celebrations Summer rains have eased drought conditions across the state, but Commissioner Wilton Simpson encourages responsible, safe fireworks celebrations in Florida. See the tips below and learn more here: tinyurl.com/ydd4m8jb

WATCH: @FDACS has removed over 23,000 packages of illegal 7-OH kratom concentrates and 1.7 million packages of illicit hemp products targeting children. Commissioner @WiltonSimpson says new rules will mandate strict, transparent product labeling to protect consumers. "If adults are using kratom products for medicinal purposes, they need to know what they are receiving."

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.”

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson Statement on New World Screwworm Detection in South Texas:

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-tighte…

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."

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