MEDIA ALERT
FOR IMMEDIATE ASSIGNMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE ASSIGNMENT
Citizens mobilize as final committee hearings on the Florida Farm Bill approach Tuesday. Last chance for public comment before going to floor votes.
WHO:
Captains For Clean Water, fishing guides, conservation advocates, health advocates, free-speech and public-interest voices from across Florida and beyond.
Captains For Clean Water, fishing guides, conservation advocates, health advocates, free-speech and public-interest voices from across Florida and beyond.
WHAT:
Public mobilization and testimony opposing "agriculture disparagement provision" buried inside Florida Farm Bill SB 290 and HB 433, legislation critics say would financially punish truthful speech and chill public criticism of powerful industries.
Public mobilization and testimony opposing "agriculture disparagement provision" buried inside Florida Farm Bill SB 290 and HB 433, legislation critics say would financially punish truthful speech and chill public criticism of powerful industries.
WHEN: Tuesday, February 10
- 9:00 AM (confirmed) - Senate Rules Committee hearing on SB 290
- 9:00 AM (expected) - House State Affairs Committee hearing on HB 433 - meeting notice not yet posted as of Friday at 10:00 PM.
WHERE: Florida State Capitol, Tallahassee, FL
WHY THIS MATTERS:
- SB 290 / HB 433 expand Florida’s food disparagement law and add one-way attorney fees, exposing individuals, journalists, scientists, and nonprofits to devastating lawsuits even when statements are true.
- With the Senate amendment deadline Monday at 9:00 AM, Tuesday’s committee hearings represent some of the last chances for public input before the bills advance toward floor votes.
- After hours of public opposition at a House subcommittee earlier this week, lawmakers advanced the bill without fixing the provision, prompting renewed mobilization.
“This fight is far from over. Our freedom of speech is not up for negotiation."
Capt. Daniel Andrews, CEO, Captains For Clean Water
WHAT’S DIFFERENT THIS TIME:
Captains For Clean Water says the posture of this fight shifted dramatically after Wednesday's House hearing on 433, where lawmakers dismissed substantive constitutional concerns and moved the bill forward anyway.
Captains For Clean Water says the posture of this fight shifted dramatically after Wednesday's House hearing on 433, where lawmakers dismissed substantive constitutional concerns and moved the bill forward anyway.
When advocates pressed bill sponsor Rep. Danny Alvarez for clarity afterward, he prohibited cameras from the meeting, and his legislative aide was caught recording the interaction without Captains consent.
As these bills approach final votes, this raises serious questions about transparency, public participation, and how dissent is treated, at a moment when Floridians are being asked to trust that major changes affecting free speech will be handled behind closed doors.
The interaction was posted to Captains Instagram and the public response has escalated.
VISUALS:
- Packed committee rooms
- Fishing guides and advocates traveling overnight to testify
- Lawmakers confronted with escalating public opposition
- On-camera interviews available before and after hearings
MEDIA AVAILABILITY:
Spokespeople and advocates will be available on site and virtually at any time for interviews, live shots, and background briefings.
Spokespeople and advocates will be available on site and virtually at any time for interviews, live shots, and background briefings.
CONTACT:
For press inquiries and interviews, contact Alycia Downs at alycia@captainsforcleanwater.org.
For press inquiries and interviews, contact Alycia Downs at alycia@captainsforcleanwater.org.
PRESS KIT:
Photos attached for editorial use. For more information and resources on Florida SB 290 / HB 433: Captains For Clean Water Press Kit
Captains For Clean Water is a Florida-based 501(c)3 grassroots nonprofit on a mission to restore and protect aquatic ecosystems for the use and enjoyment of all. Founded in 2016 by fishing guides, CFCW has united the outdoor industry, business community, and concerned citizens at the forefront of the fight for clean water—the lifeblood of Florida’s economy and $85.9 billion tourism industry. Learn more at captainsforcleanwater.org.
