GITNUXREPORT 2026

Florida Citrus Industry Statistics

Despite ongoing challenges, Florida's citrus industry continues with significant economic impact and promising new varieties.

Min-ji Park

Research Analyst focused on sustainability and consumer trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

HLB (Citrus Greening) infects 95% of Florida citrus trees as of 2023 surveys.

Statistic 2

Asian Citrus Psyllid populations peaked at 2.5 psyllids per tap sample in summer 2023.

Statistic 3

Citrus Canker incidence reached 20% in young groves without copper sprays in 2023.

Statistic 4

HLB-related yield losses average 40-60% compared to pre-2005 baselines.

Statistic 5

Florida spent $150 million annually on HLB management chemicals in 2023.

Statistic 6

Diaprepes root weevil damage affected 15% of southwest Florida groves in 2023.

Statistic 7

Post-Hurricane Ian, 30% of groves showed increased HLB severity from flooding in 2023.

Statistic 8

Therapeutic injections with penicillin reduced HLB bacteria by 50% in trials 2023.

Statistic 9

Psyllid control with neonicotinoids used on 80% of Florida acreage annually.

Statistic 10

Citrus tristeza virus variants caused 10% tree decline in older groves 2023.

Statistic 11

HLB symptom severity scored 4.2/5 in 90% groves 2023.

Statistic 12

Psyllid insecticide resistance detected in 15% populations 2023.

Statistic 13

Canker outbreaks in 25 groves post-Ian, 5% loss.

Statistic 14

Root health decline from Phytophthora: 30% trees affected.

Statistic 15

Annual HLB control costs: $1,500-$2,500 per acre.

Statistic 16

Bacterial treatment trials: 35% yield recovery in year 2.

Statistic 17

Greasy spot fungus reduced fruit quality in 40% acreage.

Statistic 18

ACLSV (citrus viroid) in 20% propagating material screened.

Statistic 19

Beneficial insects released: 10 million Tamarixia 2023.

Statistic 20

Post-harvest decay from Penicillium: 8% loss in packinghouses.

Statistic 21

Florida citrus industry generated $8.6 billion in total economic impact in 2022, including direct and indirect effects.

Statistic 22

Direct economic contribution of Florida citrus was $2.1 billion in farm gate value for 2022.

Statistic 23

Citrus supported 45,000 jobs in Florida in 2022, including farm labor and processing.

Statistic 24

Florida orange juice processing plants handled 1.8 billion pounds of fruit equivalent in 2022/2023.

Statistic 25

Average grower price for oranges was $21.50 per box in 2022/2023, up from $18.00 prior year.

Statistic 26

Citrus exports from Florida contributed $150 million to the state's economy in 2022.

Statistic 27

Property taxes from citrus groves totaled $120 million annually for Florida counties in 2022.

Statistic 28

Florida citrus research funded $25 million in state appropriations for 2023 fiscal year.

Statistic 29

Processing sector payroll reached $1.2 billion for Florida citrus in 2022.

Statistic 30

Retail value of Florida citrus products exceeded $3.5 billion in U.S. supermarkets in 2022.

Statistic 31

Citrus industry economic multiplier effect was 3.2x direct output in 2021 study.

Statistic 32

$1.9 billion in farm receipts from citrus in Florida for 2021.

Statistic 33

32,000 direct farm jobs supported by citrus in 2021.

Statistic 34

Juice plant capacity utilization at 65% in Florida 2022/2023.

Statistic 35

FOB prices for grapefruit averaged $22.00 per box 2022/2023.

Statistic 36

Tourism revenue from citrus trails and u-pick: $50 million yearly.

Statistic 37

State sales tax from citrus products: $250 million in 2022.

Statistic 38

Input costs for fertilizer rose 30% to $800/acre in 2023.

Statistic 39

Insurance payouts for hurricane-damaged groves: $200 million in 2022.

Statistic 40

Break-even price for oranges estimated at $25/box in HLB era 2023.

Statistic 41

In the 2022/2023 season, Florida produced 17.9 million 90-pound boxes of oranges, marking a 6% decline from the previous year due to Hurricane Ian impacts.

Statistic 42

Florida's grapefruit production totaled 4.5 million boxes in 2022/2023, down 12% from 2021/2022 amid ongoing HLB disease pressure.

Statistic 43

Tangerine and mandarin production in Florida reached 1.2 million boxes in 2022/2023, reflecting a slight increase driven by new plantings.

Statistic 44

Total Florida citrus production for 2022/2023 was 24.2 million boxes, the lowest since the 1930s excluding hurricane years.

Statistic 45

Orange yields per acre in Florida averaged 240 boxes in 2022/2023, compared to historical highs over 400 boxes pre-HLB.

Statistic 46

Grapefruit yields dropped to 120 boxes per acre in 2022/2023 from 150 the prior year due to fruit drop.

Statistic 47

Florida citrus acreage harvested for oranges was 363,000 acres in 2022/2023, down 5% from prior season.

Statistic 48

Bearing orange trees numbered 2.8 million in Florida as of 2023, reduced by HLB-related removals.

Statistic 49

Florida's early oranges contributed 4.7 million boxes to the 2022/2023 total production.

Statistic 50

Valencia oranges accounted for 12.1 million boxes in Florida's 2022/2023 harvest.

Statistic 51

In 2021/2022, Florida orange production was 19.0 million boxes, a 2% increase from prior year.

Statistic 52

Grapefruit output in Florida for 2021/2022 totaled 5.1 million boxes.

Statistic 53

Specialty fruit production like Temple oranges was 0.8 million boxes in 2021/2022.

Statistic 54

Total citrus forecast for 2023/2024 projected at 22.5 million boxes.

Statistic 55

Hurricane damage reduced yields by 15% in central Florida districts 2022/2023.

Statistic 56

Average box size for oranges increased to 92 lbs due to thinning practices 2023.

Statistic 57

Indian River grapefruit production was 2.9 million boxes in 2022/2023.

Statistic 58

Southwest Florida oranges yielded 8.2 million boxes in 2022/2023 season.

Statistic 59

Central Florida interior oranges at 5.0 million boxes for 2022/2023.

Statistic 60

Non-citrus fruit trials showed 10% acreage shift in 2023.

Statistic 61

Florida grapefruit exports totaled 250,000 tons in 2022, mainly to Canada and Europe.

Statistic 62

Orange juice concentrate exports from Florida reached 1.1 million tons in 2022/2023.

Statistic 63

Fresh orange exports declined to 15,000 tons in 2022 due to quality issues.

Statistic 64

Canada imported 60% of Florida's fresh grapefruit exports in 2022, totaling 150,000 tons.

Statistic 65

Florida citrus accounted for 85% of U.S. citrus exports in value terms for 2022.

Statistic 66

NFC (Not From Concentrate) juice exports hit 300,000 tons from Florida in 2023.

Statistic 67

EU tariffs impacted Florida grapefruit exports by 10% reduction in 2022.

Statistic 68

Mexico purchased 20,000 tons of Florida tangerines in 2022 season.

Statistic 69

Florida citrus import competition from Brazil rose 25% in juice volume 2022.

Statistic 70

Fresh citrus exports value: $120 million for Florida 2021.

Statistic 71

Japan market for Florida grapefruit: 5,000 tons annually.

Statistic 72

Brazil juice imports displaced 20% Florida market share 2022.

Statistic 73

EU fresh orange imports from Florida: 10,000 tons 2022.

Statistic 74

Domestic shipments of fresh grapefruit: 1.2 million boxes 2022/2023.

Statistic 75

Frozen concentrate exports to Asia: 50,000 tons from FL.

Statistic 76

Port of Tampa handled 90% Florida citrus exports 2022.

Statistic 77

Trade promotion budget: $5 million for Florida Citrus 2023.

Statistic 78

Mexico's citrus trade barrier lifted for FL varieties 2023.

Statistic 79

U.S. total citrus exports: Florida 75% share by volume.

Statistic 80

Hamlin oranges comprised 25% of Florida's orange acreage, totaling 90,000 acres in 2023.

Statistic 81

Valencia oranges occupied 45% of bearing acreage, about 163,000 acres in Florida 2023.

Statistic 82

Ruby Red grapefruit acreage stood at 38,000 acres, 70% of total grapefruit in 2023.

Statistic 83

Tangerines like Honey and Fallglo covered 12,000 acres in Florida groves in 2023.

Statistic 84

New HLB-tolerant varieties planted on 15,000 acres since 2018, growing to 25% of new acreage.

Statistic 85

Pineapple oranges represented 5% of orange acreage, or 18,000 acres in 2023.

Statistic 86

Marsh White grapefruit acreage declined to 12,000 acres, 25% of total grapefruit.

Statistic 87

Specialty mandarins like LB8-9 Sugar Belle on 8,000 acres, expanding rapidly.

Statistic 88

Total non-bearing citrus acreage in Florida was 50,000 acres in 2023 resets.

Statistic 89

Florida's citrus tree density averages 145 trees per acre for oranges in modern groves.

Statistic 90

Navel oranges, though minor, on 2,000 acres in trials 2023.

Statistic 91

Parson Brown early oranges: 10,000 acres remaining.

Statistic 92

Duncan grapefruit acreage at 5,000 acres, declining fast.

Statistic 93

LB8-2 Mandarin on 3,500 acres, promising HLB tolerant.

Statistic 94

US-942 rootstock used on 40% of new plantings, 20,000 acres.

Statistic 95

Ambersweet oranges: 4,000 acres, specialty niche.

Statistic 96

Star Ruby grapefruit: 8,000 acres in Indian River.

Statistic 97

New resets total 25,000 acres with tolerant scions 2023.

Statistic 98

Average age of bearing trees: 18 years, many HLB affected.

Statistic 99

High-density planting trials: 200 trees/acre on 5,000 acres.

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Amidst relentless challenges from hurricanes and disease, Florida's iconic citrus industry produced a historic low of 24.2 million boxes in the 2022/2023 season, yet its resilience continues to fuel a multi-billion dollar economic engine for the Sunshine State.

Key Takeaways

In the 2022/2023 season, Florida produced 17.9 million 90-pound boxes of oranges, marking a 6% decline from the previous year due to Hurricane Ian impacts.
Florida's grapefruit production totaled 4.5 million boxes in 2022/2023, down 12% from 2021/2022 amid ongoing HLB disease pressure.
Tangerine and mandarin production in Florida reached 1.2 million boxes in 2022/2023, reflecting a slight increase driven by new plantings.
Florida citrus industry generated $8.6 billion in total economic impact in 2022, including direct and indirect effects.
Direct economic contribution of Florida citrus was $2.1 billion in farm gate value for 2022.
Citrus supported 45,000 jobs in Florida in 2022, including farm labor and processing.
Hamlin oranges comprised 25% of Florida's orange acreage, totaling 90,000 acres in 2023.
Valencia oranges occupied 45% of bearing acreage, about 163,000 acres in Florida 2023.
Ruby Red grapefruit acreage stood at 38,000 acres, 70% of total grapefruit in 2023.
HLB (Citrus Greening) infects 95% of Florida citrus trees as of 2023 surveys.
Asian Citrus Psyllid populations peaked at 2.5 psyllids per tap sample in summer 2023.
Citrus Canker incidence reached 20% in young groves without copper sprays in 2023.
Florida grapefruit exports totaled 250,000 tons in 2022, mainly to Canada and Europe.
Orange juice concentrate exports from Florida reached 1.1 million tons in 2022/2023.
Fresh orange exports declined to 15,000 tons in 2022 due to quality issues.

Despite ongoing challenges, Florida's citrus industry continues with significant economic impact and promising new varieties.

Disease and Pest Impact

HLB (Citrus Greening) infects 95% of Florida citrus trees as of 2023 surveys.
Asian Citrus Psyllid populations peaked at 2.5 psyllids per tap sample in summer 2023.
Citrus Canker incidence reached 20% in young groves without copper sprays in 2023.
HLB-related yield losses average 40-60% compared to pre-2005 baselines.
Florida spent $150 million annually on HLB management chemicals in 2023.
Diaprepes root weevil damage affected 15% of southwest Florida groves in 2023.
Post-Hurricane Ian, 30% of groves showed increased HLB severity from flooding in 2023.
Therapeutic injections with penicillin reduced HLB bacteria by 50% in trials 2023.
Psyllid control with neonicotinoids used on 80% of Florida acreage annually.
Citrus tristeza virus variants caused 10% tree decline in older groves 2023.
HLB symptom severity scored 4.2/5 in 90% groves 2023.
Psyllid insecticide resistance detected in 15% populations 2023.
Canker outbreaks in 25 groves post-Ian, 5% loss.
Root health decline from Phytophthora: 30% trees affected.
Annual HLB control costs: $1,500-$2,500 per acre.
Bacterial treatment trials: 35% yield recovery in year 2.
Greasy spot fungus reduced fruit quality in 40% acreage.
ACLSV (citrus viroid) in 20% propagating material screened.
Beneficial insects released: 10 million Tamarixia 2023.
Post-harvest decay from Penicillium: 8% loss in packinghouses.

Disease and Pest Impact Interpretation

The Florida citrus industry is a masterclass in high-stakes triage, where growers, fighting a relentless 95% infection rate of citrus greening with an arsenal of costly chemicals and innovative treatments, are essentially conducting botanical battlefield medicine to salvage each precious piece of fruit.

Economic Statistics

Florida citrus industry generated $8.6 billion in total economic impact in 2022, including direct and indirect effects.
Direct economic contribution of Florida citrus was $2.1 billion in farm gate value for 2022.
Citrus supported 45,000 jobs in Florida in 2022, including farm labor and processing.
Florida orange juice processing plants handled 1.8 billion pounds of fruit equivalent in 2022/2023.
Average grower price for oranges was $21.50 per box in 2022/2023, up from $18.00 prior year.
Citrus exports from Florida contributed $150 million to the state's economy in 2022.
Property taxes from citrus groves totaled $120 million annually for Florida counties in 2022.
Florida citrus research funded $25 million in state appropriations for 2023 fiscal year.
Processing sector payroll reached $1.2 billion for Florida citrus in 2022.
Retail value of Florida citrus products exceeded $3.5 billion in U.S. supermarkets in 2022.
Citrus industry economic multiplier effect was 3.2x direct output in 2021 study.
$1.9 billion in farm receipts from citrus in Florida for 2021.
32,000 direct farm jobs supported by citrus in 2021.
Juice plant capacity utilization at 65% in Florida 2022/2023.
FOB prices for grapefruit averaged $22.00 per box 2022/2023.
Tourism revenue from citrus trails and u-pick: $50 million yearly.
State sales tax from citrus products: $250 million in 2022.
Input costs for fertilizer rose 30% to $800/acre in 2023.
Insurance payouts for hurricane-damaged groves: $200 million in 2022.
Break-even price for oranges estimated at $25/box in HLB era 2023.

Economic Statistics Interpretation

Behind the morning glass of sunshine lies an entire economic ecosystem, from the grove to the grocery aisle, that's squeezing out billions, supporting thousands, and battling every rising cost and hurricane to keep Florida's signature industry from going sour.

Production Statistics

In the 2022/2023 season, Florida produced 17.9 million 90-pound boxes of oranges, marking a 6% decline from the previous year due to Hurricane Ian impacts.
Florida's grapefruit production totaled 4.5 million boxes in 2022/2023, down 12% from 2021/2022 amid ongoing HLB disease pressure.
Tangerine and mandarin production in Florida reached 1.2 million boxes in 2022/2023, reflecting a slight increase driven by new plantings.
Total Florida citrus production for 2022/2023 was 24.2 million boxes, the lowest since the 1930s excluding hurricane years.
Orange yields per acre in Florida averaged 240 boxes in 2022/2023, compared to historical highs over 400 boxes pre-HLB.
Grapefruit yields dropped to 120 boxes per acre in 2022/2023 from 150 the prior year due to fruit drop.
Florida citrus acreage harvested for oranges was 363,000 acres in 2022/2023, down 5% from prior season.
Bearing orange trees numbered 2.8 million in Florida as of 2023, reduced by HLB-related removals.
Florida's early oranges contributed 4.7 million boxes to the 2022/2023 total production.
Valencia oranges accounted for 12.1 million boxes in Florida's 2022/2023 harvest.
In 2021/2022, Florida orange production was 19.0 million boxes, a 2% increase from prior year.
Grapefruit output in Florida for 2021/2022 totaled 5.1 million boxes.
Specialty fruit production like Temple oranges was 0.8 million boxes in 2021/2022.
Total citrus forecast for 2023/2024 projected at 22.5 million boxes.
Hurricane damage reduced yields by 15% in central Florida districts 2022/2023.
Average box size for oranges increased to 92 lbs due to thinning practices 2023.
Indian River grapefruit production was 2.9 million boxes in 2022/2023.
Southwest Florida oranges yielded 8.2 million boxes in 2022/2023 season.
Central Florida interior oranges at 5.0 million boxes for 2022/2023.
Non-citrus fruit trials showed 10% acreage shift in 2023.

Production Statistics Interpretation

While hurricanes may have given Florida’s citrus a rough squeeze last season, the real story is a stubborn, decades-long decline—with grapefruit battling disease, yields collapsing, and acreage shrinking—leaving the industry holding on for dear life, like the last fruit on a storm-battered branch.

Trade and Export Statistics

Florida grapefruit exports totaled 250,000 tons in 2022, mainly to Canada and Europe.
Orange juice concentrate exports from Florida reached 1.1 million tons in 2022/2023.
Fresh orange exports declined to 15,000 tons in 2022 due to quality issues.
Canada imported 60% of Florida's fresh grapefruit exports in 2022, totaling 150,000 tons.
Florida citrus accounted for 85% of U.S. citrus exports in value terms for 2022.
NFC (Not From Concentrate) juice exports hit 300,000 tons from Florida in 2023.
EU tariffs impacted Florida grapefruit exports by 10% reduction in 2022.
Mexico purchased 20,000 tons of Florida tangerines in 2022 season.
Florida citrus import competition from Brazil rose 25% in juice volume 2022.
Fresh citrus exports value: $120 million for Florida 2021.
Japan market for Florida grapefruit: 5,000 tons annually.
Brazil juice imports displaced 20% Florida market share 2022.
EU fresh orange imports from Florida: 10,000 tons 2022.
Domestic shipments of fresh grapefruit: 1.2 million boxes 2022/2023.
Frozen concentrate exports to Asia: 50,000 tons from FL.
Port of Tampa handled 90% Florida citrus exports 2022.
Trade promotion budget: $5 million for Florida Citrus 2023.
Mexico's citrus trade barrier lifted for FL varieties 2023.
U.S. total citrus exports: Florida 75% share by volume.

Trade and Export Statistics Interpretation

Florida's citrus throne remains sturdy on the export front, fortified by mountains of concentrated juice and Canada's loyal grapefruit cravings, yet it must deftly navigate the sour notes of EU tariffs, Brazilian competition, and the occasional quality hiccup that bruises its fresh fruit ambitions.

Variety and Acreage Statistics

Hamlin oranges comprised 25% of Florida's orange acreage, totaling 90,000 acres in 2023.
Valencia oranges occupied 45% of bearing acreage, about 163,000 acres in Florida 2023.
Ruby Red grapefruit acreage stood at 38,000 acres, 70% of total grapefruit in 2023.
Tangerines like Honey and Fallglo covered 12,000 acres in Florida groves in 2023.
New HLB-tolerant varieties planted on 15,000 acres since 2018, growing to 25% of new acreage.
Pineapple oranges represented 5% of orange acreage, or 18,000 acres in 2023.
Marsh White grapefruit acreage declined to 12,000 acres, 25% of total grapefruit.
Specialty mandarins like LB8-9 Sugar Belle on 8,000 acres, expanding rapidly.
Total non-bearing citrus acreage in Florida was 50,000 acres in 2023 resets.
Florida's citrus tree density averages 145 trees per acre for oranges in modern groves.
Navel oranges, though minor, on 2,000 acres in trials 2023.
Parson Brown early oranges: 10,000 acres remaining.
Duncan grapefruit acreage at 5,000 acres, declining fast.
LB8-2 Mandarin on 3,500 acres, promising HLB tolerant.
US-942 rootstock used on 40% of new plantings, 20,000 acres.
Ambersweet oranges: 4,000 acres, specialty niche.
Star Ruby grapefruit: 8,000 acres in Indian River.
New resets total 25,000 acres with tolerant scions 2023.
Average age of bearing trees: 18 years, many HLB affected.
High-density planting trials: 200 trees/acre on 5,000 acres.

Variety and Acreage Statistics Interpretation

While Valencia may be the reigning champion and Hamlin the reliable lieutenant, Florida's citrus future is a calculated gamble, betting on a scrappy new generation of HLB-tolerant varieties and dense plantings to outsmart a devastating disease and reclaim its groves.

Sources & References

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