Agriculture in Florida is more than a legacy — it’s a vital foundation of the state’s economy, contributing $387.40 billion in sales revenue and generating almost 2.5 million jobs. The farmlands that nourish generations of Floridians are now silently becoming compromised due to a dangerous contaminant: per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS.
Since their widespread use in the 1940s, these synthetic chemicals have leached into soil and waterways, causing serious harm to crops, livestock and rural livelihoods.
While some states have begun to take meaningful steps to end this threat, Florida has sadly failed to do so. As PFAS spreads, farmers are left to bear the burden.
The proposed Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act could make all the difference amid this crisis, giving a helping hand to Florida’s farmers and safeguarding the state’s future from a continuously growing toxic legacy.
PFAS and the hidden hazard in biosolids
Often referred to as “forever chemicals,” PFAS are a complex class of human-made compounds that became a staple in various products because of their unparalleled grease, heat and water resistance — which don’t degrade easily.
PFAS wreak havoc on farmlands. These chemicals typically enter agricultural systems through industrial runoff, polluted water and, most alarmingly, biosolids, which are nutrient-rich byproducts of wastewater treatment commonly used as fertilizer.
Farmers traditionally viewed this practice as an easy, cost-effective solution, which is why 75% of these materials end up on agricultural land and 22% are sold to consumers as fertilizer. However, biosolids usually contain PFAS, meaning their application silently introduces toxic substances into land designated for food production.
These harmful chemicals can contaminate irrigation systems, be absorbed by crops and livestock and eventually make their way into the human food chain.
The consequences of this crisis are far-reaching.
PFAS can diminish crop growth and yields and cause health issues in farm animals. This results in unsellable produce, unsafe meat or dairy products and widespread financial instability for farmers. Unfortunately, these effects have to be severe before anyone notices.
For families cultivating the land, PFAS contamination can pose lasting threats to everything they’ve built.
The escalating PFAS crisis in Florida
PFAS contamination has drastically affected farming communities in Florida. An updated interactive map identified hundreds of polluted sites statewide, including in Hillsborough, Brevard and Collier counties.
Among the most concerning areas is around Lake Okeechobee, one of Florida's crucial freshwater resources. The extensive use of biosolids in this region has sounded an alarm about possible runoff, as it could spread PFAS into the water body. As a result, the entire food chain could be jeopardized, with nearby crops and livestock absorbing the pollutants.
Despite the dangers posed by these “forever chemicals,” Florida still falls behind in taking decisive measures. While states like Maine and Connecticut have already prohibited the spread of sewage sludge, the Sunshine State has yet to establish comprehensive policies to tackle farmland pollution, leaving farmers vulnerable to environmental harm and economic disruption as they face increasing risks without clear guidance and support.
A new farm bill as an effective solution
The bipartisan Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act, which is currently pending in the U.S. Senate, could be the country's transformative solution to effectively address ongoing PFAS contamination.
The bill proposes $500 million for the fiscal years 2024 to 2028 to compensate farmers for losses from extensive agrarian pollution. It also allocates resources for soil and water testing and cleanup efforts to restore farmlands so they can be used again.
The bill calls for a national strategy to tackle PFAS in agriculture and guide farmers who may be unaware of the detrimental effects of using toxic biosolids.
While some argue the proposed funding is insufficient, the bill marks a crucial first step: acknowledging the scale of the PFAS crisis and laying the foundation for future reforms.
Similar interventions should be implemented locally in Florida, where farming intersects with tourism, ecology and drinking water systems.
Stan Gottfredson is the president and CEO of Atraxia Law, a San Diego, California-based paralegal firm aiding toxic exposure victims and their families.
Stan Gottfredson is the president and CEO of Atraxia Law, a San Diego, California-based paralegal firm aiding toxic exposure victims and their families.
