Florida Takes Aim at Southern Pine Beetle Threat
Recent southern pine beetle outbreaks have caused major timber losses in Alabama, Georgia, and elsewhere in the Southeast. Now Florida is putting money behind prevention in hopes of staying ahead of the pest.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is accepting applications for its 2026 Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program. It covers 44 northern Florida counties, which make up the beetle’s known range in the state.
Southern pine beetles are among the most economically damaging forest pests in the Southeast. Florida officials say activity there has remained relatively low in recent years, but neighboring states have experienced recent outbreaks.
The program helps private forest landowners pay for practices that can reduce risk, including first thinning of overstocked pine stands, prescribed burning, mechanical underbrush treatments, and planting longleaf or slash pine instead of loblolly, the beetle’s preferred species.
Applications are open through October 9, with some reimbursement rates increasing this year.
Find program details at FDACS.gov.
