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Fort Pierce Today
By the People, for the People
Florida Farmers Hit with $3.1 Billion in Losses from Winter Freezes
Citrus, sugarcane, and vegetable crops devastated by back-to-back winter storms
Published on Feb. 23, 2026
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Florida's agricultural industry has suffered over $3.17 billion in losses due to a pair of winter storms that brought freezing temperatures to the state in late December and late January. The freezing weather damaged crops across the state, including citrus, sugarcane, strawberries, sweet corn, bell peppers, and more. The fallout is expected to impact future harvests as well, with the citrus industry alone projected to see a 27% average annual loss in productivity over the next few years.
Why it matters
The massive losses to Florida's agricultural sector, a critical part of the state's economy, will have widespread ripple effects. Consumers can expect higher prices and potential shortages of certain fruits and vegetables, while farmers and growers face an uncertain future. The freeze events highlight the increasing vulnerability of Florida's agriculture to extreme weather, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of the industry.
The details
The two winter storms, from December 30 to January 1 and January 26 to February 4, brought freezing temperatures for multiple hours across nearly all of Florida, excluding the Florida Keys. Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson described the freezes as 'one of the most damaging' in the state's history. Farmers were unable to quickly harvest crops due to products not being ready, windy conditions, lack of storage, and labor shortages. The hardest hit sectors were sugarcane, with $1.15 billion in losses, and citrus, with $674.7 million in losses, including $327 million in damage to citrus trees. Other major losses were seen in strawberries ($306 million), sweet corn ($255 million), bell peppers ($108 million), tomatoes ($164 million), blueberries ($78.5 million), watermelons ($65 million), potatoes ($79 million), cabbage ($21.8 million), and squash ($24.5 million).
- The first winter storm hit from December 30 to January 1.
- The second winter storm hit from January 26 to February 4.
The players
Wilton Simpson
Florida Agriculture Commissioner who described the freeze events as 'one of the most damaging' in the state's agriculture history.
Ron DeSantis
Florida Governor who signed an executive order on February 9 directing the Division of Emergency Management to oversee the state's response to the cold weather.
What’s next
Gov. Ron DeSantis has directed the Division of Emergency Management to seek assistance and agreements as needed with the federal government to help the state's agricultural industry recover from the devastating freeze events.
The takeaway
The back-to-back winter freezes in Florida have exposed the growing vulnerability of the state's vital agricultural sector to extreme weather events. With over $3 billion in losses across multiple crop types, the fallout will be felt by consumers and producers alike, highlighting the need for more resilient farming practices and infrastructure to withstand the increasing threats posed by climate change.
