Meet Commissioner Simpson:

Wilton Simpson, Florida’s 13th Commissioner of Agriculture, is a fifth-generation Floridian, proud to be born and raised in the Sunshine State. A lifelong Florida farmer and entrepreneur, Commissioner Simpson has deep personal and professional roots grounded in agriculture. For over four decades, he owned and managed a large-scale egg-laying operation that supplied families across the state.

The Commissioner of Agriculture oversees the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. With his background in agriculture, Commissioner Simpson clearly understands the challenges faced by Florida’s farmers. During his first legislative session as Commissioner of Agriculture, Simpson made great strides to support Florida’s farmers, consumers, and those who work each day to protect them. Securing the future of Florida agriculture, prioritizing Florida-grown food, defending second amendment rights, and – most importantly – defining agriculture as a national security issue in Florida were among his top priorities upon taking office.

His legislative service and history of community involvement also positions him to guide the department’s other equally important functions, such as protecting the environment, ensuring the availability, affordability, and safety of our food supply, and advocating for Florida consumers.

From 2012 to 2022, Commissioner Simpson served as a member of the Florida Senate and was elected Senate President for the 2020-2022 term. Serving as Senate President through a world-wide pandemic came with many unique challenges, but Commissioner Simpson fought to keep Florida open and free and to ensure that Florida was a beacon of hope, opportunity, and freedom for generations to come. Throughout his tenure in the Senate, Commissioner Simpson was a staunch advocate for Florida agriculture and our proud farmers and ranchers. Commissioner Simpson was instrumental in securing historic funding for the industry and crucial protections, like the Right to Farm Act and Florida Wildlife Corridor Act.

Commissioner Simpson lives in Pasco County with his wife Kathy. Their son Wilton Jr. and his wife Caroline are practically neighbors, as are Commissioner Simpson’s daughter Lauran, her husband Kenten, and their daughters. Among his many accomplishments, Commissioner Simpson’s most esteemed title is “Papa” to his two beautiful granddaughters, Addy and Emy.