DeSantis Signs Florida Ban on Lab-Grown Meat Sales

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis on May 1, 2024, signed Senate Bill 1084 into law, banning the sale and production of cultivated or lab-grown meat across Florida. The legislation, which cleared the Republican-controlled House and Senate in early April 2024, targets products grown from animal cells in bioreactors, often marketed as climate-friendly alternatives to traditional livestock farming.[1][2] DeSantis, flanked by supporters at the signing ceremony, emphasized the bill's role in safeguarding Florida's agricultural traditions. "Take your fake lab-grown meat elsewhere. We're not doing that in the state of Florida," he stated, linking the ban to the state's cowboy culture and ranching heritage in areas like Okeechobee and Osceola counties, home to thousands of cattle operations.[1] Proponents, including bill sponsor Sen. Jay Collins (R-Dist. 13), argued the measure prevents market distortion from unproven tech backed by investors they called ideologically driven.[2] The law prohibits any business from selling, distributing or producing cell-cultured meat products in Florida, with violations carrying misdemeanor penalties escalating to felonies for repeat offenses. Florida's cattle industry, which supports over 15,000 ranchers and generates $1.2 billion annually, hailed the move as vital protection against cheaper imports potentially flooding markets from states like California.[1][2] Critics, including biotech firms like Upside Foods, warned it stifles innovation, but no major opposition emerged in Tallahassee's legislative halls.