Florida Freeze Causes $3.1B Damage

The freeze, attributed to Winter Storms Ezra and Gianna, delivered a one-two punch to Florida's agriculture between December 30, 2025, and February 4, 2026. The prolonged cold snap was described by the state's agriculture commissioner, Wilton Simpson, as "one of the most damaging freeze events for Florida agriculture in history," with freezing temperatures recorded in 66 of Florida's 67 counties. Sugarcane growers suffered the most significant losses, estimated at approximately $1.15 billion. The state's iconic citrus industry faced damages totaling nearly $675 million. Other hard-hit crops include sweet corn, with an estimated $255 million in losses, and strawberries, with damages pegged at around $307 million. The devastation was widespread across various agricultural sectors. Blueberry producers reported an estimated 90% loss of their crop, while strawberry and tomato growers saw an estimated 80% loss. Sweet corn was considered a 100% loss. The nursery and greenhouse industry also took a significant hit, with an estimated $240 million in damages. The disaster declaration signed by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins initially covers 26 counties and makes emergency credit and other federal assistance available to producers. This followed a unified push from Florida's entire congressional delegation for federal relief. The full impact on consumers is still developing, but farmers are warning of likely price increases for produce such as strawberries and green beans due to the significant reduction in supply. The freeze's effects on the availability of Florida-grown crops will be felt in grocery stores nationwide.