Don’t let Florida put pesticide profits over people
Our Stand: At-A-Glance
UPDATED April 2, 2025
- House Bill 129 (HB 129) proposes prohibiting products liability actions under the Florida Pesticide Law. That means if this bill becomes law, people wouldn’t be able to sue pesticide companies for harm caused by their products, unless very specific conditions are met. Here is why we are opposing this law:
- Violates your constitutional right to seek recourse in the court of law: this bill infringes on the 7th Amendment right to trial by jury. In order for the government to make a law infringing on a protected right, it must be narrowly written and a compelling reason, which leads to our next point.
- Florida statute 487.159 speaks directly to this issue and when it was signed into law it created a “pesticide incident monitoring system” within the division of Agriculture Environmental Services. Have policymakers seen this data? Has the public? This would help them determine the necessity of a bill like this. Previous legislatures saw the wisdom of holding Big Chem accountable, so let’s make sure this legislature does, as well.
- Erosion of Consumer Protections: By restricting products liability actions, HB 129 diminishes the legal avenues available to individuals harmed by pesticides, potentially leaving victims without adequate recourse.
- Accountability Concerns: Limiting liability for pesticide manufacturers and distributors may lead to reduced diligence in ensuring product safety, as the threat of legal consequences diminishes.
- Public Health Risks: Reducing the ability to hold companies accountable could result in increased public exposure to harmful chemicals, posing significant health risks to Floridians.
- Environmental Impact: Without the deterrent effect of liability, there may be less incentive for companies to consider the environmental consequences of their products, potentially leading to greater ecological harm.
- Precedent for Other Industries: Passing HB 129 could set a concerning precedent, encouraging other industries to seek similar liability protections, further eroding consumer rights across various sectors.
- Maintaining the ability to pursue products liability actions is crucial for ensuring that businesses remain accountable for the safety and environmental impact of their product
- Important note: We’ve already seen what happens when an industry is shielded from liability—vaccine manufacturers have had legal immunity for decades, leaving injured individuals with little to no recourse. We cannot allow the pesticide industry to follow the same path, prioritizing corporate profits over public safety.
- ACTION: Reach out to your the Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee and ask them to vote NO on this terrible bill.