Save the Iconic Florida Orange

Florida Citrus Mutual (FCM), the Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC), and the Florida Citrus Commission (FCC)—are complicit in a coordinated failure to support small growers, helping the demise of Florida's citrus industry. It’s time for small citrus farmers to file a single class action lawsuit against all three entities to demand accountability, recover losses, and fight for their survival.

The Florida Department of Citrus raises serious legal concerns, potentially violating multiple Florida Statutes and governance laws, providing strong grounds for a class action lawsuit. It’s time for these citrus farmers to fight back with a class action lawsuit against the Florida Department of Citrus to demand justice, recover their losses, and save their livelihoods.

Small citrus farmers are on the brink of collapse, and the Florida Citrus Commission’s negligence is a primary culprit. ords echo the frustration of countless small farmers who produced 20% of Florida’s citrus in 2022 (USDA data) but receive scant support from the Florida Citrus Commission, despite paying into its budget through the grower tax known as the “box tax.”

Florida Citrus Mutual, Florida's largest citrus trade association, has abandoned small citrus farmers at a time when they’re fighting for survival. Florida Citrus Mutual claims to represent all growers, but its actions tell a different story. It’s time for these farmers to file a class action lawsuit against Florida Citrus Mutual to hold it accountable for failures and recover what they’re owed.

The Florida Citrus Commission’s lack of transparency exacerbates these legal issues. The FCC held closed-door budget meetings, limiting grower input, which may violate Florida’s Sunshine Law. This law requires public access to government meetings, and the FCC’s secretive practices could be deemed illegal, denying small farmers a voice in how their tax dollars are spent.

If small citrus farmers were to sue Florida Citrus Mutual, they could argue that Florida Citrus Mutual’s actions violate Florida Section 617.0832, seeking damages for the misuse of their dues and an injunction to compel fair representation on the board. Florida Citrus Mutual’s lack of transparency and closed board meetings raise further legal concerns.

The Florida Citrus Commission is pouring millions into marketing while small citrus farmers face extinction. The Florida Citrus Commission’s priorities are shockingly misaligned, favoring big brands over struggling citrus small growers that are the backbone of the Florida citrus industry. The Florida Citrus Commission’s spending may also skirt legal boundaries, potentially violating state law.

Florida Citrus Mutual’s actions raise serious legal concerns, potentially violating statutes and fiduciary duties as a nonprofit trade association to act in the best interest of its members. FCM, representing nearly 2,000 growers, collects dues from both large and small farmers. Small farmers, who produced 20% of Florida’s citrus, have no representation on the board, but Tropicana does.

This lack of accountability could be illegal, as small farmers have no say in how their tax dollars are spent, furthering Florida Citrus Commission’s failure to support. Legal experts argue the Florida Citrus Commission is not fulfilling its duty to support the entire industry. A 2018 audit by the Florida Auditor General criticized the Florida Citrus Commission for a lack of transparency.

These are Florida’s 3 favorite citrus desserts, the stories behind their popularity, and why saving small citrus farms is critical to preserving this cultural tradition. But as small, family-owned citrus groves continue to vanish under pressure from Big Ag and urban development, these beloved desserts are becoming more than just indulgences—they're edible memories of a fading legacy.

Florida’s family-owned citrus industry is a symbol of the sunshine state. But, the reality is Florida citrus is on the verge of extinction and lawmakers aren’t doing enough to stop it. Policies that could help save the industry are stuck in limbo. If nothing changes, Florida-grown oranges and fresh, local orange juice could disappear forever, replaced by imported, mass-produced alternatives.

While lawmakers are still busy catering to Big Ag, the Save Florida Citrus Groves Foundation rolls up its sleeves to support the small growers who are the heart and soul of Florida's citrus legacy. The state's $200 million budget might seem like a windfall for the citrus industry, it's clear that the scales are tipped in favor of large-scale operations, not small family-owned citrus growers.

How do you stand out in the Florida citrus industry? Florida’s citrus is world-renowned, but for small, family-owned citrus groves, standing out can be a challenge. Competing with Big Ag's mass-produced orange juice requires smart, strategic marketing and advertising. Luckily, the Florida Citrus Marketing Division, part of the Save Florida Citrus Groves Foundation, provides marketing support.

Free-range chicken farms and small family-owned Florida citrus groves might seem like two completely different agricultural industries. Free-range eggs are valued for their production and Florida citrus from small groves is superior because of the care. One produces eggs, while the other grows citrus. But, when you look beyond the products, these two types of farms share striking similarities.

The Florida Citrus Marketing & Advertising Division plays a critical role in supporting the Save Florida Citrus Groves Foundation by promoting the importance of small, family-owned citrus farms. Through branding, advertising, and outreach, the division works to educate consumers, drive demand for local Florida citrus, and ensure small citrus farmers thrive in an increasingly competitive market.

Florida oranges are a powerhouse of nutrition with a range of surprising health benefits. Beyond vitamin C, oranges contribute to heart health, immune support, and cognitive function. But, the future of fresh, high-quality Florida oranges and the family citrus farms that grow them are at risk. As large corporate producers take over the citrus industry, family-owned groves struggle to survive.

The Florida citrus industry is headed straight for extinction. If we don’t act fast, fresh, locally-grown Florida oranges will be replaced by mass-produced, long-shelf-life juice with zero soul. Supporting the Saving Florida Citrus Groves Foundation helps ensure that future generations can enjoy real, Florida-grown oranges, not just corporate-produced juice from concentrate.

Few symbols are as synonymous with the Sunshine State as the Florida orange. This famous citrus fruit has become an icon of Florida’s legacy, economy, and culture, known worldwide for its juicy sweetness and vibrant flavor. But how did the Florida orange become so famous? The journey from a foreign import to a global sensation is a fascinating story of history, climate, innovation, and marketing.

Known for producing the world’s juiciest, sweetest oranges, Florida has long been America’s orange juice capital. But today, the future of this iconic citrus legacy is in jeopardy. That’s why Save Florida Citrus Groves Foundation is fighting to preserve the state’s citrus legacy. "Make America Orange Again" and ensure that Florida’s oranges remain a national treasure for the next generation.

Florida’s small citrus farmers are fighting for survival. While the state has done little to support them, Save Florida Citrus Groves Foundation, is stepping up to provide grants to small citrus growers. By choosing to buy from local farmers, participating in initiatives like Gift-A-Grove, and advocating for better policies, consumers can play a vital role in preserving Florida’s citrus legacy.

The Florida orange is more than just a fruit; it’s a symbol of Florida’s agricultural prowess and cultural identity. Known for its unparalleled sweetness, vibrant color, and refreshing flavor, the Florida orange has become a staple of breakfast tables and a key ingredient in countless recipes around the world. Here’s a closer look at what makes this citrus gem so special.

Florida has long been known for two things: infamous “Florida Man” and iconic oranges. What if these two icons were a superhero duo fighting to save small citrus? It all started in the sunny groves of Central Florida, where citrus farmers had been growing the juiciest, freshest oranges for generations. But, greedy corporate juice giants had small citrus growers on the verge of losing everything.

Florida's citrus industry is now on the brink of collapse, thanks to Florida lawmakers. Despite this alarming decline, lawmakers have consistently failed to pass legislation, facing significant challenges in the legislative process, that could provide meaningful support to family-owned citrus farms. Who’s paying them off? Floridians must demand accountability.

Florida's citrus industry, a symbol of the state's agricultural prowess, is on the brink of collapse. Despite this alarming decline, Florida lawmakers have consistently failed to pass legislation to provide support to small citrus farms. The failure of lawmakers to pass legislation is a stark indicator of conflicts of interest. These initiatives have been met with outright rejection by lawmakers.

Florida’s small, family-owned citrus farms are dying at an alarming rate, and there’s one group of people who couldn’t care less: Florida lawmakers. Why? Because they are bought and paid for by Big Ag. Florida residents want to restore and reclaim the state’s iconic citrus groves, but politicians have other priorities. It’s not a conspiracy. It’s a cold, hard fact and their policies prove it.

As dog owners, we often want to share our favorite fruits with our furry friends. While some fruits are safe and beneficial for dogs, others are toxic. Oranges, lemons, and limes are citrus fruits packed with vitamins and antioxidants, but are they safe for dogs? Let’s explore whether dogs can eat oranges, lemons, and limes, the benefits and risks of each fruit.

As small, family-run citrus farms struggle to survive, one glaring question remains: Why do Florida lawmakers refuse to help? Big Ag receives tax breaks, subsidies, and legislative support. Are lawmakers negligent or in bed with Big Ag? The reality is simple: money buys power in politics, and Big Ag has both. Florida refuses to help small citrus growers because they are financially tied to Big Ag.

There was a time when Florida’s very air smelled of oranges. Morning breezes carried the scent of sun-warmed citrus, and golden groves stretched endlessly across the land, kissed by the same subtropical sun that ripened their fruit to perfection. But today, that legacy is under siege. Florida’s citrus groves are vanishing.

Save Florida Citrus Groves Foundation, Inc. is leading the charge to revive abandoned citrus groves and protect Florida’s agricultural heritage. One of its most ambitious programs, Gift-A-Grove, provides a simple and impactful way for landowners to donate or gift their abandoned citrus groves to the Foundation, ensuring they are restored rather than lost to commercial and residential development.

Florida oranges are legendary and renowned for their vibrant color, intense sweetness, and juiciness. But what truly makes them stand out from other oranges? The answer isn’t as simple as “good weather” or “rich soil.” There are fascinating, little-known secrets behind Florida oranges that most people would never guess. Here are incredible reasons why Florida’s oranges are unlike any others.