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Bill

HB 1147

Country of Origin for Wild and Farm-Raised Fish

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jason Shoaf

Florida bill requiring country-of-origin labeling for all wild and farm-raised fish in retail and restaurants to enhance consumer transparency; died in committee.

Died in Housing, Agriculture & Tourism Subcommittee
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Bill Summary · HB 1147

Legislative bill overview

HB 1147 would require retailers and restaurants in Florida to clearly label the country of origin for both wild-caught and farm-raised fish sold to consumers. The bill aims to provide transparency in seafood sourcing and give consumers information about where their fish products originate.

Why is this important

Seafood labeling directly affects consumer choice and public health awareness, as origin can indicate different safety standards, fishing practices, and environmental impacts. For Florida's fishing industry, origin labeling could influence purchasing decisions and market competitiveness between domestic and imported seafood products.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Retailers and restaurants would bear expenses for new labeling systems, inventory tracking, and compliance monitoring across supply chains
  • Supply chain complexity: Tracing origin through multiple distributors and processors is logistically challenging, especially for mixed seafood products or repackaged goods
  • Market competition concerns: Labeling could disadvantage imported seafood or domestic farms, raising questions about protectionism versus consumer protection
  • Enforcement challenges: State agencies would need resources to verify origin claims and investigate violations across numerous commercial establishments

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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