GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Sen. Nick DiCeglie (Senate District 18) and Rep. J.J. Grow (House District 23) have been named the 2025 Florida Farm Bureau Legislators of the Year. This award is given to Florida lawmakers for their support of agriculture and rural Florida.
In the 2025 legislative session, Sen. DiCeglie and Rep. Grow championed one of Florida Farm Bureau’s top priorities. They advanced legislation in the Florida House and Senate to pass a Farm Bureau Health Plan. This health plan is crucial for rural communities who don’t have health insurance.
“Sen. DiCeglie’s and Rep. Grow’s ability to navigate the legislative process and effectively communicate their goals led to a major win for Florida Farm Bureau’s top legislative priority,” said Tripp Hunter, director of state legislative affairs for the Florida Farm Bureau Federation. “Their commitment to the issue and to supporting farm and ranch families across the state was evident in every step. It’s a privilege to count on strong leaders like Sen. DiCeglie and Rep. Grow when the stakes are high, and we look forward to continuing to work alongside both legislators in the future.”
Sen. DiCeglie and Rep. Grow will be recognized at the Florida Farm Bureau state annual meeting in Daytona Beach on October 28th during the Legislative Luncheon. For a list of previous award recipients, click here.
About Senator DiCeglie
Sen. DiCeglie grew up in North Woodmere, New York, and has called Florida home since 1996. He represents Florida Senate District 18, covering parts of Pinellas County.
Sen. DiCeglie is the President and CEO of Hope Villages of America (HVA), a nonprofit organization committed to addressing hunger, homelessness, and domestic abuse. Under his leadership, HVA has expanded vital services and implemented strategic initiatives that have strengthened its reach and effectiveness.
About Representative Grow
Rep. Grow, a lifelong Citrus County resident, represents Florida House District 23, representing Citrus and parts of Marion Counties. He attended Citrus High School, where he was Class President and FFA President, later serving as State FFA Vice President and interning with the Florida Commissioner of Agriculture.
Rep. Grow earned a degree in Food and Resource Economics from the University of Florida and completed executive programs at Wharton and Northwestern. With 30 years of leadership in both private and public companies, he’s created jobs and driven economic growth across Florida.
A Christian, conservative, Rep. Grow is active in local charities and serves as Vice-Chairman of the National Wild Turkey Federation Foundation Board.
Provided by Florida Farm Bureau Federation