Commissioner of Agriculture of Florida | |
---|---|
since January 3, 2023 | |
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services | |
Term length | Four years, renewable once |
Inaugural holder | Lucius B. Wombwell |
Formation | 1885 |
Website | fdacs.gov |
The commissioner of agriculture is a constitutional officer in the executive branch of government of the U.S. state of Florida that heads the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). Elected for a four-year mandate that is limited to two consecutive terms of office, the commissioner of agriculture is charged with supporting and regulating Florida's agriculture industry, conserving soil and water resources, managing state forests, protecting consumers from unfair trade practices, and ensuring the safety and wholesomeness of food in the marketplace.[1][2] In addition, the commissioner is one of four members of the Florida Cabinet and is fourth (behind the lieutenant governor, attorney general, and chief financial officer, respectively) in the line of succession to the office of governor.[3][4] The thirteenth[5] and current commissioner is Republican Wilton Simpson, who took office on January 3, 2023.