Florida Citrus Gains New Momentum Through Resilience and Innovation

The Florida Citrus industry is showing encouraging signs of progress as growers, researchers and industry partners continue building toward a strong future

Hard-working Florida growers and their families are continuing to invest in new trees, technology and production practices after years of challenges from citrus greening, hurricanes and freezes. Their efforts are now beginning to show promising results.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service, Florida produced 15.7 million boxes of citrus, including oranges, grapefruit and specialty citrus, during the 2025-26 season. This represents a 7% increase from the prior season.

"The future of Florida Citrus is bright," said Shannon Shepp, executive director of the Florida Department of Citrus. "A 7% increase is an encouraging sign of perseverance and innovation happening in our groves across the State of Florida. Even through extraordinary challenges, growers have never stopped looking ahead. They are testing new approaches and working closely with researchers to advance solutions for citrus greening and other production challenges and are encouraged by the growth they're witnessing right now."

The industry's momentum is also supported by a historic state investment in citrus research, grove rehabilitation, field trials, new plantings and consumer marketing. The funding recognizes that recovery requires progress across the full citrus value chain.

"Florida citrus growers have faced unprecedented challenges, but they have continued to invest in their groves and adapt for the future," said Florida citrus grower Daniel Hunt, who serves as president of his family-owned business, Hunt Bros. Cooperative. "This momentum, paired with the state's support for research, replanting and marketing, gives our industry a stronger foundation to build on in the years ahead."

In addition, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently updated the federal Standard of Identity for pasteurized orange juice, allowing more Florida oranges to qualify for pasteurized orange juice production. This new rule will not change the taste, quality, safety or nutritional value of 100% orange juice. This decision reflects years of collaboration between Florida citrus growers, processors and industry organizations in response to changing growing conditions caused by citrus greening.

While recovery will take time, there is real progress happening in the groves throughout Florida to ensure fresh Florida Citrus and Florida Orange Juice continues as a staple in kitchens and on tables across America. With continued collaboration across research, production, retail and marketing, Florida Citrus is moving forward with innovation and investment as a new foundation for generations of legacy growers.