Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

Department of Citrus

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What is the purpose of the department?

The Department of Citrus seeks to maximize consumer demand for Florida Citrus products to ensure the sustainability and economic well-being of Florida Citrus growers, the citrus industry, and the State of Florida.

What are the responsibilities of the department?

The Department of Citrus is responsible for citrus marketing, research, and regulation. Department goals include
  • improving perception of nutritional benefits of Florida orange juice among millennial moms and consumers in the U.S.;
  • increase consumer awareness and perception of benefits of Florida citrus products in international markets; and
  • provide research support to marketing and public relations programs and the Florida citrus industry.

What is the Florida Citrus Commission?

The Florida Citrus Commission consists of nine members appointed by the Governor to represent citrus growers, processors, and packers. The commission serves as the board of directors and agency head for the department. It is responsible for setting the annual amount of excise tax as well as quality standards for all citrus grown, packed, or processed in Florida.  

How much citrus does Florida annually produce?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported that as of May 2020, Florida will produce more boxes of oranges than any other state. 
Oranges. The USDA estimates that as of May 2020, Florida growers will produce 69.7 million boxes of oranges in the 2019-20 crop year, an decrease of approximately 2.2 million boxes when compared to the 2019-20 crop year.
Grapefruit. The USDA estimates that as of May 2020, Florida growers will produce 4.9 million boxes of grapefruit in the 2019-20 crop year, an increase of approximately 400,000 boxes when compared to the 2018-19 crop year.

How are these activities funded?

The department is funded primarily through a statutorily authorized assessment on each box of citrus moving into commercial channels of trade, though in some years, it is also appropriated General Revenue. 
Fiscal Year: 2020-21
Fund Dollars Positions
CITRUS, DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS MARKETING
19,567,809
7.00
CITRUS RESEARCH
4,026,441
6.00
EXECUTIVE DIRECTION AND SUPPORT SERVICES
2,863,752
14.00
TOTAL
26,458,002
27.00

Updates

Marketing.  In the 2020 Appropriation Act (HB 5001), the Florida Legislature provided $5 million of General Revenue funds to market Florida citrus; an increase from the $935,550 appropriated the previous year.

Where can I find related OPPAGA reports?

A complete list of related OPPAGA reports is available on our website.

Where can I get more information?

Other Reports
Citrus Reference Book, Florida Department of Citrus, February 2018.
The Auditor General reports on department operations are available on its website.
Websites of Interest
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Citrus Research and Education Center
U.S. Department of Agriculture
U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service
Citrus Research and Development Foundation, Inc.
Performance Information
Performance measures and standards for the department may be found in its Long Range Program Plan.

What are the applicable statutes?

Chapter 601 and s. 20.29, Florida Statutes.

Whom do I contact for help?

Department of Citrus, 1-863-537-3999

Website