Florida Agriculture Faces Major Losses After Winter Freezes
Florida Agriculture Faces Major Losses After Winter Freezes
US · Published Feb 24, 2026
Florida's agriculture sector faces over $3 billion in damages due to recent winter freezes.
Sugar cane and citrus production are among the most severely impacted crops.
Disaster declarations may be needed to secure federal aid for affected Florida counties.
Winter freezes cause billions in agricultural damages
Florida's agricultural industry is grappling with the aftermath of recent winter freezes, which have resulted in over $3 billion in estimated damages, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture. The sugar cane sector has been particularly devastated, incurring losses exceeding $1 billion. This crisis compounds the existing challenges faced by Florida's citrus production, which has already experienced a 90% decline over the past 15 years due to factors like citrus greening. The recent cold snaps have further exacerbated the situation, impacting a variety of crops including strawberries, tomatoes, and bell peppers.
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