WAUCHULA, FLA. — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed SB 1084 on May 1 that would prohibit the sale of lab-grown meat.

State officials said Florida is increasing meat production and encouraging residents to consume 100% real Florida beef. 

“Our administration will continue to focus on investing in our local farmers and ranchers, and we will save our beef,” DeSantis said. 

Other steps announced by DeSantis and the state government included simplifying the process for Florida farmers to receive sales tax exemptions for agricultural materials. Florida will also look to help agri-tourism operators qualify for protection against property tax assessments when operating on agricultural lands.

“Florida is taking a tremendous step in the right direction by signing first-in-the-nation legislation banning lab-grown meat,” said Wilton Simpson, Florida commissioner of agriculture. “We must protect our incredible farmers and the integrity of American agriculture. Lab-grown meat is a disgraceful attempt to undermine our proud traditions and prosperity and is in direct opposition to authentic agriculture.” 

At the end of April, the Alabama House of Representatives passed a bill that would ban the production or sale of cell-based products in the state. The bill would go into effect on Oct. 1.

During last year, two cultivated meat companies received a Grant of Inspection from the US Department of Agriculture to sell cultivated chicken in the United States. The GOI marks the final step of the pre-market regulatory review necessary for food technology companies to begin commercial production and sales.

Cultivated meat products have been sold in restaurants in San Francisco and Washington, DC, during 2024.