The Florida Citrus Commission on Thursday did not propose increasing “box” taxes charged to citrus growers as the panel began setting a budget for the next fiscal year.
Shannon Shepp, executive director of the Florida Department of Citrus, which is overseen by the commission, said tax rates are projected to remain at 12 cents a box for processed oranges, 5 cents a box for fresh oranges, and 7 cents a box for grapefruit and specialty fruits.
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Growers continue to struggle to rebuild after Hurricane Ian in 2022 and two decades of damage from citrus greening disease.
The budget, which will be presented to the commission for a preliminary vote in June, includes $21.394 million in revenue, down from $23.177 million in the current fiscal year. It also includes a $202,000 increase in staff salaries and benefits.
A proposed overall state budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year includes a 3 percent salary increase for state workers. The Legislature has not formally sent the proposed overall budget to Gov. Ron DeSantis for his signature and vetoes.
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The overall spending plan includes $47 million for various aspects of the citrus industry, including $29 million for research into citrus greening, technologies to treat and prevent citrus greening, and to conduct field trials.
Also, $9 million would go for citrus marketing, down from $10 million in the current fiscal year.
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