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Florida’s February Freeze: The $3 Billion Cold Shock to the State’s Crops

FPREN | By Leslie Hudson
Published March 6, 2026 at 6:19 PM EST
via Adobe stock images

Florida is famous for mild winters that help feed much of the country during the colder months. But this winter, the weather turned against the state’s farms.

A pair of powerful freezes has now left billions of dollars in agricultural losses across Florida — and the damage may still be unfolding. Florida Storms digital meteorologist Leslie Hudson explains.

State officials say federal disaster funding may help farmers recover from the freeze damage in the months ahead.

But like many things in agriculture, the road back depends on time — and on what the next season allows to grow again.
Weather
Leslie Hudson
Leslie Hudson is an experienced Multimedia Journalist and Digital Meteorologist whose career is marked by significant professional milestones. A trailblazer in the industry, she holds the distinction of being the first female AMS meteorologist in the Orlando market. Her extensive background in public safety and emergency management led to her being appointed by Florida’s Governor to the State of Florida’s Hurricane Catastrophic Fund Council from 2002 to 2007. Notably, she was the sole meteorologist in the state selected for this prestigious council.
See stories by Leslie Hudson

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