Record-Breaking Freeze Impacts Florida Agriculture, Sparks Widespread Coverage
In early February 2026, Florida experienced a rare and historic multi-day freeze that broke cold-weather records across the state. From the Everglades Agricultural Area to Central and South Florida, farmers faced freezing temperatures, crop damage and significant operational challenges.
News outlets across Florida and nationwide reported on the freeze’s impact on agriculture, including citrus, produce and other key crops. Below is a selection of media coverage documenting the scope of the freeze and its effects on Florida’s farming communities.
Statewide & National Coverage
Axios
Florida’s freeze damaged crops. Farmers say it may raise prices, too
February 5, 2026
https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/02/05/florida-freeze-damaged-cropsundefined
FOX Weather
Freezing in Florida: Arctic chill reaches Sunshine State, breaking records and causing power disruptions
February 2, 2026
https://www.foxweather.com/weather-news/freezing-florida-arctic-chill-breaking-records-power-outageundefined
Growing Produce
Southeast U.S. produce growers tracking damage after big chill
February 9, 2026
https://www.growingproduce.com/farm-management/southeast-u-s-produce-growers-tracking-damage-after-big-chill-photos/undefined
Fruit Growers News
Winter blast prompts Florida officials to push for USDA disaster assistance
February 2, 2026
https://fruitgrowersnews.com/news/florida-usda-winter-storm-disaster-assistance/
Major Florida Television & Regional Coverage
MyNews 13
Fruit farmer says cold weather is causing damage to Florida crops
February 1, 2026
https://mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2026/02/01/cold-weather-fruit-farmer-undefined
WLFX
Florida farmers assess damage after record-breaking freeze
February 2, 2026
https://www.wflx.com/2026/02/02/florida-farmers-assess-damage-after-record-breaking-freeze/undefined
Fox 35 Orlando
Florida farm buried in ice amid freezing temperatures: ‘Catastrophic’
February 2, 2026
https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/southern-hill-farms-buried-in-iceundefined
WFTV
Cold Reality: Blueberry crop loss wipes out 2,000 jobs in Central Florida
February 3, 2026
https://www.wftv.com/news/local/cold-reality-blueberry-crop-loss-wipes-out-2000-jobs-central-florida/AH4OET7GPZG4TEFZE6M6QQ4XKY/undefined
WFTV 9
Support Southern Hill Farms at weekend event following crop devastation
February 6, 2026
https://www.wftv.com/news/local/support-southern-hill-farms-weekend-event-following-crop-devastation/YAD7UEBOOZG2VNTHY2QY7FVE3I/undefined
Bay News 9
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture says cold caused up to $1.5 billion in crop damages
February 4, 2026
https://baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2026/02/05/cold-agriculture-damagesundefined
Local 10 News
Florida freeze impacts some Homestead farmers’ crops
February 2, 2026
https://www.local10.com/video/news/2026/02/02/florida-freeze-impacts-some-homestead-farmers-crops/undefined
WUSF
Florida’s citrus industry takes another hit after rare multi-day freeze
February 6, 2026
https://www.wusf.org/weather/2026-02-06/floridas-citrus-industry-takes-another-hit-after-rare-multi-day-freezeundefined
Florida Political & Policy Coverage
Florida Politics
Kat Cammack seeks USDA disaster declaration following crop freezes throughout Florida
February 10, 2026
https://floridapolitics.com/archives/779185-kat-cammack-seeks-usda-disaster-declaration-following-crop-freezes-throughout-florida/undefined
Florida Politics
Historic freeze devastates Everglades crops, sparks relief push
February 11, 2026
https://floridapolitics.com/archives/779643-historic-freeze-devastates-everglades-crops-sparks-relief-push/undefined
Florida’s Voice
Florida farmers face crop losses from freeze, hurricanes; Simpson cites federal aid
February 5, 2026
https://flvoicenews.com/florida-farmers-face-crop-losses-from-freeze-hurricanes-simpson-cites-federal-aid/undefined
Local & Regional Print Coverage
Palm Beach Post
Florida freeze devastated crops; will it push up grocery prices?
February 9, 2026
https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/weather/2026/02/09/historic-florida-cold-blast-hits-farms-statewide-from-citrus-to-sugarcane/88531081007/undefined
TC Palm
Dozens of cold records broken as snow flies and crops freeze in Florida
February 2, 2026
https://www.evergladesfoundation.org/post/dozens-of-cold-records-broken-as-snow-flies-and-crops-freeze-in-floridaundefined
TC Palm
$500,000 for 12 helicopters: Florida farmers go to extremes to melt frost
February 11, 2026
https://www.tcpalm.com/story/weather/2026/02/11/how-florida-farmers-protect-crops-from-freezes-with-helicopters-ice-dirt/88596374007/undefined
Miami Today
South Florida Farmers Brace for Crop Losses as Freezing Temperatures Hit
February 2, 2026
https://nationaltoday.com/us/fl/miami/news/2026/02/02/south-florida-farmers-brace-for-crop-losses-as-freezing-temperatures-hit/