Florida Citrus Growers Face Nickel Hike Per Carton
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’s citrus market strong and will stay in place until changed. If you grow or handle these fruits in Florida, this change affects you directly.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Assessment Rate Raised by $0.005 Per Carton
The assessment for Florida oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and pummelos increases from $0.02 to $0.025 per 4/5‑bushel carton (a $0.005 rise) for the 2024–2025 fiscal period and subsequent fiscal periods. The rule is effective May 29, 2026 and applies to Florida citrus handled under Marketing Order No. 905.
Handlers Must Pay Higher Uniform Assessments
All Florida citrus handlers are subject to the higher assessment rate and assessments are applied uniformly to all handlers. The rule notes some assessment costs may be passed on to producers (growers).
Rate Increase Reduces Reserve Drawdown
The Committee expects estimated shipments of 4,500,000 4/5‑bushel cartons for 2024–2025; at $0.025 per carton this generates $112,500 in assessment income toward budgeted expenditures of $119,624, reducing the needed use of reserve funds to $7,124 instead of about $29,624 under the old rate. The increase was recommended to limit further draws on reserves strained by prior seasons and hurricane damage.
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