Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (2024)

FAQs

What does the Florida Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services do? ›

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services supports and promotes Florida agriculture, protects the environment, safeguards consumers, and ensures the safety and wholesomeness of food.

Provides clearinghouse for consumer information, complaints, and inquiries. Contact by phone. Florida residents. Contact agency by calling 800-HELPFLA within Florida or (850) 488-2221 outside of Florida.

We provide leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and related issues based on public policy, the best available science, and effective management.

The USDA is responsible for overseeing farming, ranching, and forestry industries, as well as regulating aspects of food quality and safety and nutrition labeling. The USDA is further tasked with administering several social welfare programs including free school lunches and food stamps.

Our agencies help to keep America's farmers and ranchers in business and ensure that the nation's commercial supply of meat, poultry, and egg products is safe, wholesome, and properly labeled.

Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the preservation of a Florida family farm through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.

Only land that is used for growing plants and necessary service areas shall be classified as agriculture. Land used for landscape service business is not an agricultural use. A bona fide commercial irrigation system must be in place.

File a complaint with government or consumer programs

File a complaint with your local consumer protection office. Notify the Better Business Bureau (BBB) in your area about your problem. The BBB tries to resolve complaints against companies. If you think you may have experienced a scam, report it to the FTC.

What is the consumer protection act in Florida? ›

Consumer laws in Florida set out to protect residents from scams and enforce their rights against both the government and large corporations. The statues generally lay out consumers' rights in the marketplace. They are intended to safeguard citizens in commercial transactions, and protect them from financial harm.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Division of Consumer Services is the state's clearinghouse for consumer complaints, information and protection.

Both digital and print subscribers may also call our customer support at 1-914-378-2035 (or 1-800-333-0663) to retrieve forgotten account information or to otherwise make changes to your information.

§§ 1692 and following) and the Florida Consumer Collection Practices Act (FCCPA) regulate debt collectors. The FDCPA applies to every state and protects consumers from unfair and deceptive debt collection practices. The FDCPA also prohibits debt collectors from contacting you at certain times and places.

Consumer Services Section

The Department of Health investigates complaints and reports involving health care practitioners regulated by the department and enforces appropriate Florida Statutes.

From the inspection of domestic product, imports, and exports; conducting risk assessments; and educating the public about the importance of food safety, USDA is there.

The Florida Farm Bureau Federation's mission is to be “One voice advocating for viable farm families and enriching the quality of life for all Floridians.” The vision of Florida Farm Bureau is to be “The Voice of Florida Agriculture.” Our policy positions reflect the values and opinions shared by most Floridians.