Florida Citrus Growers Fork Over Extra Half-Cent Per Box
Published Date: 4/29/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting May 29, 2026, Florida citrus growers will pay a bit more to support their industry—an increase from 2 cents to 2.5 cents per carton of oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and pummelos. This small boost helps fund programs that keep Florida citrus fresh and competitive. The new rate sticks around until it’s changed again, so growers should plan for this ongoing cost.
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Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Florida citrus assessment raised
Florida citrus handlers will pay a higher assessment: the rate is increased from $0.02 to $0.025 per 4/5-bushel carton (an increase of $0.005 per carton) for the 2024-2025 fiscal period and subsequent fiscal periods. At an estimated 4,500,000 cartons, assessments are expected to generate $112,500 (up from $90,000), and the Committee expects this change to reduce reserve use from about $29,624 to about $7,124 while funding budgeted expenditures of $119,624.
Assessment applies to 2024-2025 period
The rule establishes the $0.025 per 4/5-bushel carton assessment for the 2024-2025 fiscal period and subsequent fiscal periods and states the assessment rate is 'on and after August 1, 2024.' The final rule was published with an effective date of May 29, 2026, and USDA states it will not change the assessment timing.
Majority of affected entities are small
About 500 Florida citrus producers and 12 handlers are subject to the Order, and USDA's analysis finds the majority of these growers and handlers qualify as small businesses under SBA size standards. SBA thresholds cited include $4,000,000 (oranges), $4,250,000 (other citrus) for producers, and $34,000,000 for handlers.
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