Florida farmers face rising climate risks from extreme weather
In the last decade, extreme weather has become a greater economic liability for Florida farmers. From freeze-damaged crops to hurricane losses and rising insurance premiums, increasingly volatile conditions are reshaping agriculture’s financial foundation in a state that produces more than 300 commodities.
Farmers and agricultural leaders say these events are part of a pattern disrupting both production and long-term viability.
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Florida’s average annual temperature has increased by 3.5 degrees F since 1950, according to the Florida Climate Center at Florida State University. The state is experiencing more extreme heat days and more frequent heavy rainfall events — trends that have contributed to significant harvest losses in recent years.
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In response, farmers are adopting practices designed to reduce long-term costs and improve resilience.
Cover crops planted between growing seasons protect soil from flooding and erosion. Others are shifting from conventional tillage to no-till systems to retain moisture and improve soil health. Such strategies, Shea said, can strengthen farm operations while providing environmental benefits.
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Political dynamics, however, complicate long-term planning. In Tallahassee, climate policy remains a sensitive topic. Some climate-focused agricultural programs in Florida have faced funding reductions, including millions of dollars in federal cuts to climate-smart agriculture grants and local food purchasing programs in 2025.
“If you want to have a conversation about climate change, don’t use the words ‘climate change,’” Shea said.
Instead, discussions are often framed around “extreme weather” and “resilience” rather than politically charged terminology.
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For Florida farmers, the challenge is not only surviving the next freeze or hurricane. It is maintaining profitability in an increasingly unpredictable climate and ensuring the state’s agricultural economy can endure the financial strain ahead.
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