Commissioner Adam H. Putnam

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Citrus License and Bond

Florida Laws | FAQ | Forms | Related Links | Contact

Citrus fruit dealers are required to be licensed by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Section 601.55 (1), Florida Statutes (F.S.) requires: "No person shall act as a citrus fruit dealer in the state without first having obtained the issuance of a current license for each shipping season, or portion thereof."

All who deal in citrus covered by this law and who are not exempt under the definition of "Citrus Fruit Dealer," Section 601.03 (8), F.S., are subject to the Florida Citrus Law. All citrus products, excluding limes and lemons, are covered by the Florida Citrus Law.

Florida Laws

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Who is required to obtain a citrus license?
    No person shall act as a citrus fruit dealer in the state without first having obtained the issuance of a current license for each shipping season, or portion thereof.

  2. Who is required to obtain a citrus fruit dealers bond?
    All citrus fruit dealers are required to be bonded.

  3. Where does one obtain a citrus fruit dealers license application?
    Applications for citrus fruit dealer licenses may be obtained from the Department of Citrus, Post Office Box 9010, Bartow, FL 33831-9010, or by calling (863) 537-3999.

  4. What is the cost of a Citrus License?
    The cost of the license is $25.00, payable by check or money order to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

  5. How much time is required in order to receive a citrus license?
    Once a completed application is received by the Department of Citrus and, assuming there are no problems, the license may be approved and issued within a two week period.

  6. What license is required in order to sell fresh fruits and vegetables at flea markets or roadside stands?
    Occupational licenses or permits for operation should be obtained from local governing authorities (city or county).

  7. Is it permissible to purchase uninspected citrus for resale at one's business?
    Anyone buying uninspected citrus for resale, whether on or off the tree, must have a citrus fruit dealer's license. One who is interested in obtaining a citrus fruit dealer's license must contact the Citrus License and Bond Office for details.

  8. Is it permissible to purchase avocados that have not been inspected?
    Any handler may handle up to 55 pounds per day without proof of inspection for size and quality.

  9. Is it permissible to purchase tomatoes for resale?
    Inspection is not required for the commercial sale of tomatoes as long as they are not to be exported outside the regulated area which is defined as south of the Florida-Georgia line and East of the Suwannee River.

  10. Are there other restrictions for vendors whose operations are West of the Suwannee River?
    Yes. Fruits and vegetables grown in Florida that are covered by Federal Marketing Orders include grapefruit, oranges, tangerines, tangelos, avocados, limes and tomatoes. Such fruits and vegetables must be inspected and certificates issued prior to commercial shipment West of the Suwannee River.

  11. How much citrus may one export out of Florida or West of the Suwannee River?
    Florida is currently under a statewide quarantine by the USDA and no citrus may leave the state unless the USDA has issued a limited permit. No Florida grown citrus may enter any citrus producing states or territories. This includes citrus for personal use. For more information, please contact the Division of Plant Industry (800) 282-5153. Citrus producing states and territories include: American Samoa, Arizona, California, Guam, Hawaii, Louisiana, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Texas, and the U.S. Virgin Islands

  12. What is the amount of tomatoes that may be taken out of Florida or West of the Suwannee River?
    A limit of up to 50 pounds of uninspected tomatoes per person may be exported provided they are not a part of a shipment exceeding 50 pounds.

  13. What is the amount of avocados that may be taken out of Florida or West of the Suwannee River?
    A limit of up to 55 pounds which have not been inspected may be exported from Florida provided these avocados are not part of a shipment exceeding 55 pounds.

  14. What other amounts and types of fruits and vegetables may be taken out of the State?
    Only the fruits and vegetables previously identified have restrictions.

  15. What does one need in order to bring produce into Florida from another state?
    There are no grade or size restrictions on produce moving into Florida from other states. However, certification is required for some fruits and vegetables showing that these commodities are disease or pest free. One should contact the Division of Plant Industry at (352)372-3505 or the Office of Agriculture Law Enforcement at (850)922-6507 for more information.

  16. Is one permitted to take produce grown in Florida on an airplane?
    There are restrictions on fruits and vegetables going to or leaving some areas. These restrictions may vary from time to time. One should check with the USDA, APHIS, and PPQ officers at airports for current restrictions. Information may also be obtained from the Division of Plant Industry.

  17. What is required in order for me to sell my backyard citrus?
    Growers who sell directly to consumers do not need a citrus fruit dealers license. One must complete an "Affidavit of Grove Owner" which is provided by the Division of Fruit and Vegetables. One must also comply with Department of Citrus Rule 20-44(c) which states: "All sales are made on or directly from the tree or from a display bin or other open container and sales are direct to a consumer and not for resale or out of State transportation; such fruit shall not be placed in a bag or other closed container until after it is sold to the consumer."

  18. Who is permitted to file a complaint of violation against a citrus fruit dealer?
    Any person may complain of any violation of any of the provisions of Chapter 601.66 (1) F.S., by any citrus fruit dealer during any shipping season. The procedure is addressed with the filing of a written complaint with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at any time prior to May 1 of the year immediately following the end of such shipping season.

  19. How does one file a complaint?
    A complaint is filed by calling the office of Citrus License and Bond in Winter Haven at (863) 297-3900 and asking for a complaint form to be mailed. Upon receipt of the form the complainant must fill out the form and return the form to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Citrus License and Bond, Division of Fruit and Vegetables, 500 3rd Street N.W., Winter Haven, FL 33881.

  20. Is it permissible to purchase limes that have not been inspected?
    No. Florida Statute 603.152 requires limes grown in Florida to be inspected for minimum size and juice content.

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Forms

Please follow the instructions provided below when printing and completing the forms listed.

  1. Use the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view or print forms. Skip this step if Adobe Reader is already installed on your pc.
  2. Print forms on white 8 1/2" x 11" paper.
  3. Type or print the entire form in blue or black ink.
  4. If fees are required, make check(s) or money order payable to: FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES.
  5. Mail payments to: FDACS-Fruits & Vegetables, Fiscal Office, 500 3rd Street N.W., Winter Haven, FL 33881.

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Related Links

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Contact

For Citrus License and Bond Questions Contact:
Jim Ellis
E-mail: James.Ellis@freshfromflorida.com
500 Third Street NW
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Phone: (863) 297-3902
Fax: (863) 297-3959

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