A Florida lawmaker is calling for a state investigation following reports that a crop-dusting helicopter under contract with Florida Power & Light caused animal deaths, property damage, and chemical contamination in Santa Rosa County earlier this month.
State Senator Don Gaetz sent a formal letter on Thursday to Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Commissioner Wilton Simpson. In the letter, Gaetz requested a comprehensive review of aerial spraying operations that occurred on May 8 and May 20 in the East Milton area.
According to information provided to Gaetz’s office, a helicopter operating on behalf of Florida Power & Light (FPL) flew along power lines and potentially passed through active utility infrastructure while dispersing chemicals.
Local property owners raised alarms over the helicopter’s flight path and chemical dispersal practices, alleging that the aerial spraying directly impacted surrounding farms and aviaries.
“Most concerning are reports of animal fatalities and suspected environmental contamination at farms and aviaries following the aerial spraying activity,” Gaetz wrote in his letter to Commissioner Simpson. “Given these allegations and the potential implications for public safety, agricultural compliance, environmental protection, and aviation regulation, a full and transparent investigation may be warranted.”
The request asks FDACS to take several specific actions, including confirming the relationship between FPL and the helicopter operator, identifying the pilot’s licensing status, and identifying the exact chemicals, pesticides, or herbicides applied during the flights. Gaetz also asked investigators to review the aircraft’s GPS records, flight logs, and application data from the May 20 flight, which included an attached flight path map.
Additionally, the state agency is being asked to determine if the flight violated minimum safe operating procedures or created a hazardous proximity to occupied agricultural property. Gaetz urged FDACS to coordinate with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), and to take regulatory action against FPL and its contractor if violations are found.
The letter was also copied to Santa Rosa County Commissioner Nathan Boyles, Alexis Lambert, and Gabriella Passidomo Smith. Gaetz concluded by asking for formal confirmation from FDACS that an investigation has been opened.
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