In a bold move to protect traditional agriculture and support the state's cattle industry, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a new law on May 1, 2024, effectively banning the production and sale of lab-grown meat in Florida. The law, Senate Bill 1084, prohibits the manufacture, sale, holding, or offering for sale of cultivated meat within the state, marking Florida as the first state in the United States to enact such a ban.

Governor DeSantis signed the bill at a press conference in Hardee County, emphasizing the importance of supporting rural economies and agriculture. "It doesn't always rise to the height of national security, but think about if there were no groceries just for one week in the grocery store, you would have total chaos in this country, and if that's not national security, I don't know what it is," he said.

The signing of the bill has sparked a heated debate among various stakeholders. Proponents of lab-grown meat argue that it offers a sustainable solution to the global food crisis, while critics, including Governor DeSantis, claim that it undermines traditional farming methods and poses potential health risks.

Critics also argue that the ban could stifle innovation and discourage investment in the state. "A ban like this threatens a free market and sets a dangerous precedent for the future of food production in the United States," said Justin Kolbeck, co-founder of San Francisco-based seafood company Wildtype.

Despite the controversy, the law is set to take effect on July 1, 2024. It remains to be seen how this legislation will impact Florida's food industry and the broader global conversation surrounding lab-grown meat.