South Florida Local News
Commissioner Wilton Simpson and Santa Claus bring holiday cheer to Florida kids with personalized certificates this Christmas season
Tallahassee, Florida – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson is continuing a beloved holiday tradition, partnering once again with Santa Claus to spread cheer across the Sunshine State. This year, children throughout Florida can receive personalized Certificates of Clearance, confirming that Santa and his reindeer are officially approved to visit and deliver gifts on Christmas Eve.
“From our beaches to our farmlands, Florida families know how to make Christmas special. I’m proud to partner with my pal Santa again this year to ensure he and his reindeer have everything they need to make their travels as safe and smooth as possible,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “Children across Florida can celebrate Santa’s official clearance with a fun keepsake certificate – a reminder that Florida always cherishes its families and traditions.”
The Certificates of Clearance are more than just a festive formality. Each certificate is personalized with the child’s name and signed by Commissioner Simpson, making it a memorable keepsake that families can display throughout the holiday season. The certificates celebrate Santa’s visit while reinforcing the magic and excitement of Christmas for children across the state.
Santa Claus himself praised the partnership, noting the special role Florida plays in his annual journey. “Florida has always been one of my favorite stops on Christmas Eve, and my reindeer look forward to it every year. I’m grateful to Commissioner Simpson for helping us to make sure we have a safe and joyful trip across the state – fueled, of course, by Fresh From Florida treats!” he said.
Parents and guardians can easily obtain a personalized certificate by visiting christmas.fdacs.gov. After creating an account for their child, families will receive a digital certificate that can be printed and proudly displayed in their home ahead of Santa’s visit. The process is simple, ensuring that children of all ages can enjoy the excitement of having their own official acknowledgment from Santa and Commissioner Simpson.
In addition to the certificates, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is taking steps to guarantee that Santa’s journey across the state goes smoothly.
Commissioner Simpson will issue an Emergency Order later this month, temporarily waiving any departmental regulations or requirements that might interfere with Santa’s travel on Christmas Eve. This measure ensures that every Florida child can count on Santa’s arrival without delay. Additional details about the order will be shared once it is finalized.
This annual initiative reflects Florida’s unique blend of holiday spirit and family-friendly fun. By combining official certificates, a nod from Santa, and support from the state’s agriculture department, the program highlights both the joy of the season and the creativity of local traditions. Families can look forward to celebrating with this fun keepsake that captures the magic of Christmas in a special Florida way.
For more information on the Certificates of Clearance and other holiday initiatives led by Commissioner Simpson and FDACS, families are encouraged to visit FDACS.gov. The website provides resources for printing certificates, learning about Santa’s official clearance, and exploring ways to participate in Florida’s festive seasonal activities.
As children prepare for the arrival of Santa Claus this year, the Certificates of Clearance serve as a tangible reminder that the holiday season is a time for wonder, family, and celebration. Through this partnership, Commissioner Simpson and Santa Claus continue to make Florida a place where the magic of Christmas feels especially close to home.
This tradition, now a staple of the Florida holiday season, ensures that kids across the state have a little extra excitement leading up to Christmas, all while reinforcing the community spirit that makes Florida unique. From Tallahassee to the Florida Keys, families can now enjoy a keepsake that captures the joy, anticipation, and fun of Santa’s annual journey.
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