Commissioner Adam H. Putnam

Development and Information

Florida Laws | FAQ | Forms | Related Links | Contact

The Bureau of Development and Information stimulates, encourages and fosters the production and consumption of agricultural products in addition to conducting activities that provide a better understanding and more efficient cooperation among producers, buyers, retailers, food editors and the consuming public in the promotion and marketing of Florida agriculture. The Bureau is responsible for establishing and maintaining programs which will aid in the orderly marketing and efficient distribution of Florida's Agricultural products.

Florida Laws

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What entity issues a Certificate of Origin and Free Sale?
    The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is the issuer of a Certificate of Origin and Free Sale. The Department certifies that a business is an established Florida export company.

  2. What does one need to do to obtain a Certificate of Origin and Free Sale?
    One must submit name, company name, address, city, country, zip and a brief statement of what is produced and that you sell your product in the United States. The statement must be submitted to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Attn: Elizabeth Gablehouse, 407 South Calhoun Street, Room 421, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0800.

  3. How does one become a Florida Farm Winery?
    Chapter 599, F.S., explains the requirements for becoming a Florida Farm Winery. Each year this status must be re-examined by the Department.

  4. Is grant funding available from the Viticulture Advisory Council (VAC)?
    Yes.

    1. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Viticulture Research Grant Program

    Research proposals are due March 15 of each year for approval in May.

    Submit proposals to: Tom Thomas, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Marketing, Room 422, Mayo Building, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0800 (850.922.9827).


  5. Where does one obtain help in planning a vineyard?
    Contact the Florida Grape Growers Association, Robert Paulish 863-678-0523 or Florida A & M University, Dr. Leong 850/599-3996 for advice or call your local county extension agent.

  6. What type of grapes grow best in my region of Florida?
    Muscadine grapes of all varieties grow well in Florida.

  7. Where does one buy vines to plant in Florida?
    One should check with the Florida Grape Growers Association in Florida for a list of nurseries selling vines.

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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) payable to: FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES.
  5. Mail payment(s) to: FDACS-Marketing, 407 South Calhoun Street, Room 413, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0800.

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Related Links

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Contact

If you have any questions, please contact:
Liz Gablehouse
E-mail Elizabeth.Gablehouse@freshfromflorida.com
407 South Calhoun Street
Room 413 Mayo Building
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0100
Phone: (850) 488-4366
Fax: (850) 488-7127

For questions regarding the Wine Program, Contact:
Tom Thomas
E-mail Thomas.Thomas@freshfromflorida.com
407 South Calhoun Street
Room 422 Mayo Building
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0100
Phone: (850) 922-9827
Fax: (850) 488-7127

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