Polk Times

Rep. Scott Franklin (R-FL) and Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL) have introduced the Temperature Endorsement for Multi-Peril Policies (TEMP) Act in an effort to assist Florida's agricultural industry in accessing crop insurance coverage for losses caused by cold exposure and freezes. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) has introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

According to Rep. Franklin, "Deep freezes often cause significant damage to Florida's agricultural industry, a significant source of America's citrus, sugarcane, and other important fruit and vegetables. Unfortunately, growers in Florida's heartland do not have access to reasonably priced specialty-crop insurance, making it difficult to recover after harsh winters." He further explained that the bipartisan bill aims to create an affordable index temperature policy that would provide much-needed stability and coverage for Florida's more than 300 specialty crops if temperatures drop below freezing.

Senator Rubio echoed the importance of supporting Florida's growers, stating, "The TEMP Act is a commonsense solution that will help our specialty crop growers access affordable crop insurance and recover from the devastating impacts of deep freezes and cold exposure."

Currently, Florida's specialty crop producers face challenges in obtaining comprehensive whole-farm crop insurance due to high premiums, which can cost thousands of dollars per acre. While these growers have been able to access insurance policies that cover losses caused by specific covered impacts such as wind, there is no existing policy to address losses caused by cold exposure and freezes.

House original cosponsors of the TEMP Act include Rep. Cory Mills (FL-7) and Rep. Greg Steube (FL-17).

Various outside groups, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, Florida Farm Bureau, and Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, have expressed their support for the TEMP Act.

For more information, visit the official press release on Rep. Franklin's website: [Permalink](https://franklin.house.gov/2023/11/franklin-rubio-help-florida-growers-access-crop-insurance-coverage)

Click this link to access more information: https://franklin.house.gov/2023/11/franklin-rubio-help-florida-growers-access-crop-insurance-coverage