Congresswoman Kat Cammack Co-Leads Freeze Disaster Assistance Act to Deliver $3.5 Billion for Florida Growers

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03), alongside Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18), introduced the bipartisan Freeze Disaster Assistance Act, which would provide $3.5 billion in disaster assistance to help Florida’s agricultural producers recover after the devastating freeze in January 2026. Cammack and Franklin were joined by a majority of the Florida Congressional Delegation. Senators Rick Scott (R-FL) and Ashley Moody (R-FL) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

“Food security is national security. Right now, Florida’s farmers need us to deliver,” said Congresswoman Cammack. “As the only Floridian on the House Agriculture Committee, I’ve seen up close what this freeze did to our growers. Entire seasons gone. Families who don’t know if they can plant again. In March, I led our delegation in urging Secretary Rollins to grant Commissioner Simpson’s disaster declaration request, and we got it done. This bill puts Florida in charge of its own recovery instead of waiting on Washington. I’m proud to work with Congressman Franklin to deliver the relief our farmers need.”

“Florida agriculture operates differently than much of the country, and our disaster response policies need to reflect that reality,” said Congressman Scott Franklin, Vice Chair of the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee. “When a severe freeze hits Florida, many specialty crops and multi-year commodities face years of production losses, replanting costs and long-term financial impacts. Too often, growers are forced into a slow, one size fits all federal process that fails to reflect the realities of Florida agriculture. My legislation is an America First farm policy that ensures our growers stay in business, strengthening our domestic food supply and reducing dependence on foreign producers.”

“Florida’s farmers and ranchers were hit by a devastating freeze earlier this year that caused more than $3 billion in agricultural losses across our state,” said Jeb S. Smith, President, Florida Farm Bureau Federation. “This legislation is a critical step toward delivering timely, flexible relief to the producers who feed our communities and keep our rural economies strong. We appreciate Congressman Franklin and Congresswoman Cammack’s leadership in advancing a block grant approach that will allow Florida to respond quickly and efficiently to the unique needs of our growers. We urge Congress to act swiftly to ensure our farmers have the support they need to recover and continue producing.”

Specifically, the Freeze Disaster Assistance Act would:

• Provide $3.5 billion in emergency supplemental funding to USDA to deliver aid through state-administered block grants;
• Compensate producers for losses of revenue, quality, and production caused by freeze and cold weather events;
• Cover prevented planting and damage to trees, bushes, and vines, and explicitly include compensation for multi-year crop losses;
• Direct assistance to counties that received USDA freeze disaster designations issued on March 4, 2026; and
• Require states to request assistance funding through USDA. 
   

Earlier this year, Florida experienced statewide sub-freezing temperatures for multiple nights during the state’s winter growing season. The freeze impacted a wide range of commodities, including citrus, strawberries, blueberries, sugarcane, and other specialty crops, many of which can suffer catastrophic damage after just a few hours of freezing temperatures. Florida agriculture experienced significant production losses, quality reductions, and damage to trees and plants that will affect future growing seasons. According to preliminary estimates from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), losses exceeded $3.2 billion.

Rep. Cammack is the only Florida member serving on the House Agriculture Committee. In March, she led a letter from the Florida delegation to Secretary Rollins in support of Agriculture Commissioner Simpson’s request for a freeze disaster declaration. USDA issued the disaster designations on March 4, 2026, and the Freeze Disaster Assistance Act directs assistance to the counties covered under those designations. The House is scheduled to consider the FY27 Agriculture Appropriations bill on the floor this week.

Original cosponsors: Rep. Jimmy Patronis (FL-01); Rep. Neal Dunn (FL-02); Rep. John Rutherford (FL-05); Rep. Randy Fine (FL-06); Rep. Cory Mills (FL-07); Rep. Mike Haridopolos (FL-08); Rep. Darren Soto (FL-09); Rep. Daniel Webster (FL-11); Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL-12); Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14); Rep. Laurel Lee (FL-15); Rep. Vern Buchanan (FL-16); Rep. Byron Donalds (FL-19); Rep. Lois Frankel (FL-22); Rep. Jared Moskowitz (FL-23); Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25); Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (FL-27); and Rep. Carlos Gimenez (FL-28).

Supporting Organizations: Florida Farm Bureau; Florida Citrus Mutual; Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association; Florida Strawberry Growers Association; Florida Sugar Cane League; Florida Tomato Exchange.

Read the full bill text here. 
 

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Congresswoman Kat Cammack represents Florida's 3rd Congressional District. As the lone Florida Member on the House Agriculture Committee, Rep. Cammack has remained a leading voice in advancing policies that ensure Florida’s agricultural communities have the critical support they need to recover from weather disasters, stay competitive, and keep feeding the nation.