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Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Recovers More Than $250,000 for Floridians in June

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The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services recovered more than $250,000 for Florida consumers during the month of June. Last year, the department recovered nearly $3 million for Florida consumers from moving companies, vehicle repair shops, pawn shops, health studios, telemarketers, sellers of travel and more.
During June 2017, the department:

  • Recovered $250,256 on behalf of Florida consumers;
  • Received 3,629 complaints;
  • Initiated 230 investigations;
  • Arrested 10 individuals;
  • Provided assistance to 21,545 consumers through the 1-800-HELP-FLA hotline, online chats and emails; and
  • Added 17,354 telephone numbers to Florida’s Do Not Call List.

As the state’s clearinghouse for consumer complaints, the department educates the public, investigates complaints and provides mediation on behalf of consumers. The department’s call center is staffed with trained analysts who can respond to questions about programs and regulations under the department’s purview, provide information on a wide variety of topics or direct callers to the appropriate government agency.
Consumers who believe fraud has taken place can contact the department’s consumer protection and information hotline at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or, for Spanish speakers, 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832). For consumer protection information and resources, visit FloridaConsumerHelp.com.

Commissioner Adam Putnam One of First Individuals Awarded 2017 US Water Prize

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Last night Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam was presented with the 2017 US Water Prize in acknowledgement of his leadership on water issues in Florida. The prize was award by the US Water Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the nation about the true value of water and advancing policies and programs that manage water resources to advance a better quality of life for everyone.
The US Water Alliance honored three organizations and, for the first time, two individuals for advancing innovative solutions to the nation’s water challenges. The seventh annual awards ceremony took place during the 2017 One Water Summit in New Orleans on Tuesday, June 27.
“I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished in Florida. With a growing demand on our limited water resources, we could be California right now. But with strong, conservative leadership here in Florida, we’ve taken proactive measures to meet the needs of our state by growing our water supply and improving the health of our lakes, springs and rivers. However, there’s more work to do.
“We must protect our water quality and quantity in order to accommodate our explosive population growth, to promote prosperity, and to preserve the invaluable natural resources that make Florida so unique.
“Florida’s population is projected to reach 35 million by 2070. With additional stresses on our water supply, it’s imperative that we remain focused on comprehensive and long-term solutions to our water challenges.”
Commissioner Adam H. Putnam has long-prioritized addressing the state’s water challenges. Over the course of his career, he has:

  • Helped secure funding for the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan;
  • Worked with the Legislature to establish long-term, comprehensive and science-based water policy that prioritizes projects that can yield the greatest measurable improvements in the areas that needed them most;
  • Supported the Central Florida Water Initiative, which focuses on the area surrounding Orlando; and
  • Focused on environmentally sensitive lands through his advocacy of the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, which has protected nearly 37,000 acres from development – a 900-percent increase in acres preserved by the program since 2011.

For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com

Commissioner Adam Putnam Applauds EPA Administrator for Move to Repeal WOTUS Final Rule

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Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam issued the following statement regarding EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt’s proposal to repeal the Obama-era WOTUS final rule.
“The federal government overstepped its authority under the Obama Administration with its overreaching and nonsensical WOTUS rule. I applaud EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt’s move to undo these overly burdensome regulations that cost American workers precious dollars to meet unnecessary and unscientific standards.”

Florida Forest Service Announces Long Leaf Pine Program for Landowners

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The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, announced today that the Longleaf Pine Landowner Incentive Program is now accepting applications from eligible, non-industrial private forest landowners. The application period is open Monday, June 26, through Friday, July 28, 2017.
Longleaf pine forests are native to the southeastern United States and are among the most diverse ecosystems in North America. Longleaf pines provide high quality wood products and are highly valued for their resistance to damage by insects, disease, wildfire and storms. Longleaf pine forests have been dramatically reduced to less than four percent of historical area due to urbanization and conversion to other land uses. Florida is currently home to more than two million acres of Longleaf pine ecosystems, which is more than half of all known longleaf pine ecosystems.
The goal of the program is to increase the acreage of healthy Longleaf pine ecosystems in Florida by helping non-industrial private forest landowners make the long-term investment required to establish and maintain this valuable ecosystem.
The program offers incentive payments for completion of timber stand improvement, invasive species control, prescribed burning, planting Longleaf pine, native plant understory establishment and mechanical underbrush treatments. The program is offered for private lands in Florida counties located west of the Aucilla River and several counties near the Ocala National Forest.
Application forms and more information on program requirements and procedures can be found by visiting FreshFromFlorida.com or a local Florida Forest Service office. The program is supported through a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation with funding from the Southern Company, USDA Forest Service, The Nature Conservancy, Natural Resource Conservation Service, US Department of Defense, Halliburton Company, and the US Fish & Wildlife Service.
The Florida Forest Service manages more than one million acres of public forest land while protecting homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire on more than 26 million acres. To learn more about Florida Forest Service programs, visit FloridaForestService.com.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.

Wounded Veterans Invited to Register for Free Lobstering, Scalloping, Kayaking Trips

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Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam invites Florida’s wounded veterans to register for upcoming Operation Outdoor Freedom events, including a lobstering trip out of Fort Lauderdale, a scalloping trip out of Steinhatchee and a kayaking trip on the Chipola River. Space is limited, so eligible veterans must visit OperationOutdoorFreedom.com to register for the free trips. Since Operation Outdoor Freedom was launched in 2011, more than 3,000 wounded veterans have participated in more than 400 hunting, fishing, boating and other recreational events at no cost.
“Operation Outdoor Freedom is a special way of connecting the natural resources and beauty our state is blessed with to the men and women of our armed services who have courageously sacrificed for our nation,” said Commissioner Adam H. Putnam. “It’s the least we can do for those who have done so much for us.”
The Florida Forest Service, a division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, organizes and hosts Operation Outdoor Freedom events where participants can fish, hunt, boat and more. Outdoor excursions are held regularly on state forests and private lands throughout Florida and are funded through private donations.
Participants will be drawn at random prior to the event and will be notified by email.
Visit OperationOutdoorFreedom.com for more information about how Operation Outdoor Freedom is working to honor Florida’s wounded veterans and how you can get involved.

Commissioner Adam H. Putnam’s Statement Regarding the Anniversary of the Pulse Attack

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Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam issued the following statement regarding the first anniversary of the Pulse terrorist attack:
“On the anniversary of the Pulse attack, we pause to remember the 49 victims who were suddenly and senselessly taken, their loved ones who continue to mourn and heal, and the first responders who put themselves in harm’s way for their fellow Floridians without hesitation.
“We also remember how Orlando, the Central Florida community and the entire state came together amidst such tragedy. People stood in lines for hours to donate blood, generously gave their time and money to total strangers and worked together to meet the needs of all those impacted. This anniversary is not just a solemn milestone to remember those we tragically lost, but it’s also a reminder of the strength, courage and compassion of the people of Florida.”

Commissioner Adam H. Putnam’s Statement on Special Session

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Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam issued the following statement regarding Governor Scott’s call for a special session beginning June 7, 2017:
“I’m grateful to Governor Scott for his leadership in calling for a special session, for his unyielding commitment to providing our children with the best education possible, and for his continued support of economic growth in the Sunshine State.”

Commissioner Adam Putnam Encourages Floridians to Prepare for 2017 Hurricane Season

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Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam urges Floridians to prepare for the 2017 hurricane season, which begins June 1. Expecting weak El Nino conditions, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts an above-average hurricane season.
“Preliminary forecasts point to an active hurricane season this year,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “It’s crucial that Floridians plan early to protect their families and homes this hurricane season.”
Floridians can take the following steps to prepare for the 2017 hurricane season:

  • Have a Plan: Know what you and your family will do in an emergency. Research the locations of hurricane shelters and find out if you can take your pet. Make sure everyone in your house knows the plan and where your emergency supplies are stored.
  • Prepare a Kit: Keep a kit stocked with emergency supplies. This should include a three-day supply of food and water for each family member. Plan for one gallon of water per person per day. Supplies should also include: cash, blankets and sleeping bags, first-aid kits, battery-powered radios, flashlights and extra batteries, clothing, necessary medications, pet care, a list of important phone numbers and important documents stored in waterproof containers.
  • Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date on the latest weather information. Watch local news and weather, listen for radio updates or stay informed with your computer or smartphone.

In addition to these tips, it is imperative to have an adequate supply of food and water during a disaster.

  • Keep an appliance thermometer in your fridge and freezer to provide an accurate temperature reading even if the power is out. A freezer should be at or below 0°F and the fridge at 40°F.
  • Store food on shelves high enough that it will not be contaminated in case of flood.
  • Have coolers on hand to keep food cold if the power is out more than four hours. Keep the fridge and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
  • Discard perishables, such as meat, fish, cheese, milk, eggs, leftovers and deli items, if the power is out more than four hours.
  • Use bottled water if you are concerned about your water supply. If you don’t have bottled water, boil water and let it cool before storing to drink.

During an emergency, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides necessary food and water to affected areas and helps protect animals and pets. The department’s Florida Forest Service is responsible for incident management and assists emergency responders in clearing debris and distributing supplies. Additionally, the department’s Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement provides law enforcement services to police departments and county sheriff’s offices as necessary.
For more information and tips on hurricane preparedness, visit FloridaDisaster.org.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.

First Cases of H3N2 Dog Flu Confirmed in Florida

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The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, in coordination with the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, announced today that the University of Florida has confirmed seven cases of H3N2 canine influenza virus, a.k.a. “dog flu.” Six additional results for the virus are pending. All dogs being treated are in stable condition. There is no evidence that H3N2 canine influenza virus infects people.
While H3N2 has been circulating throughout the country since 2015, this is the first time it has been confirmed in Florida. This is a highly contagious virus. Fortunately, the mortality rate is low. Dog owners can have their veterinarians vaccinate their dogs against canine influenza viruses.
If dog owners suspect a case of dog flu, they should call their veterinarian prior to going to the clinic in order to decrease the chances of spreading the virus to other animals at the clinic. Many dogs have a fever, decreased appetite and lethargy during the first few days of illness. Most dogs recover at home without any complications. Some require hospitalization.
More information on canine influenza can be found here.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, call 1-800-HELP-FLA or visit FreshFromFlorida.com.

Commissioner Adam Putnam Provides Wildfire Update for Florida

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Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam and the Florida Forest Service announced today that more than 2,300 wildfires have burned over 233,000 acres in Florida this year, with 84 active wildfires burning as of today, May 30, 2017. Current conditions by county, burn bans and helpful tips regarding wildfires in Florida can be found here.
“As we enter what is traditionally Florida’s rainy season, much of the state is still experiencing drought conditions and elevated wildfire danger,” Commissioner Adam H. Putnam said. “Residents and visitors need to pay attention to and comply with local burn bans and should take every precaution to help prevent wildfire.”
Commissioner Putnam asked Governor Scott to issue an executive order on April 11, 2017 in order to provide full resources to combat wildfires. The last time a similar executive order was issued was in June 2011.
Forecast wildfire danger for May 30, 2017:

Active wildfires in Florida:

County Burn Bans:

Wildfires in Florida usually start and spread quickly, leaving little time to prepare for a possible evacuation. Homeowners can complete a few simple tasks that will help to defend their home against wildfire. One of the best ways to reduce a home’s wildfire risk is to create 30 feet of defensible space around the home.
To increase home survivability, Floridians can do the following:

  • Keep mulch and pine needles away from your home, fence, and deck;
  • Keep roof and gutter free of pine needles;
  • Keep flammables away from your home;
  • Store fire wood at least 30 feet from your home;
  • Remove dead vegetation and debris from under the deck and within 10 feet of your home; and
  • Make wildfire preparedness a family project.

For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.