The South Florida Fair is full of time-tested traditions, but there’s always enough new things each year to keep the 17-day event fresh. Here’s a look at what’s new:
- All pullets and Poultry Showmanship participants must register through Showorks. NO paper entries.
- Mandatory Market Steer weigh-in, tag-in & DNA collection September 11, at the Okeechobee Livestock Market: 5 – 7 PM.
- The use of Livestock Release Forms will be implemented.
- The new time for the Sell-a-Bration of Champions Youth Market Auction is 4 PM on January 17.
- Exhibitor will be disqualified for any animal mistreatment witnessed at any time
- New shows for the 2026 Fair include a Meat Goat Jackpot Show and Beefmaster shows
- The Ag-ceptional Showcases will feature the Careers & Trade Show and this year we feature Goats
- The Landscaping Contest returns involving even more schools and professionals.
- Farm Quest Scavenger Hunt through hard copies and the Official Fair app.
- New procedures and consequences for exhibitors to verify Record Book work and completion: Please read carefully the rules under your specific area.
4-H and FFA Exhibitors: Effective July 1, 2024, Florida law mandates that their school recognize student participation in 4-H or Future Farmers of America (FFA) activities as excused absences. The legislative change ensures that any time missed due to involvement in these programs cannot be counted as unexcused absences, whether it involves a full day, part of a day or multiple days. To validate such absences, school principals or their designees may request documentation from 4-H or FFA representatives. This documentation proves the student’s participation in the respective activity or program.
This policy underscores the State’s commitment to supporting agricultural education and leadership development, recognizing the educational value these programs offer to students. Florida Statutes 1003.24 (5)