The Changing Face of the Citrus Sector: Florida vs. California

The differences between the California citrus industry (holding steady) and its counterpart in Florida (continued recovery mode) continue to be reflected in grower responses to the annual State of the Industry survey conducted by American Fruit Grower/Western Fruit Grower.

In California, where growers now account for approximately 79% of total U.S. citrus production (almost all fresh market), 47% of our readers report increased production in 2025 while 37% indicate a decline. Moving into this year, not one among 19 respondents is decreasing production; nine are increasing.

Meanwhile, a negligible amount of citrus grower responses (eight) out of Florida validate the status of an industry that has suffered a 90% production decline the last two decades (primarily in the juice and processing categories). Two growers report increased production in 2025 while four others report a decline of more than 10%. But there remains hope: Only two of the eight growers are decreasing production this year while five are increasing.

“Better quality coming with better production,” one of the optimists says.

WHY THE DISPARITY?

California benefits from a stable Mediterranean climate; Florida is still reeling from at least three major hurricanes: Irma (2017), Ian (2022), Helene (2024), and most recently Milton (2024).

“We’re still rebuilding after Helene,” a grower notes. “The storms in 2024 affected crops in 2025,” another adds.

Worse for Florida, the University of Florida estimates that 90% of the state’s citrus acres are infected by citrus greening, or Huanglongbing (HLB). “HLB and freezes,” cites one “very pessimistic” Florida grower. In California the incurable bacterial disease, transmitted by the Asian citrus psyllid, has yet to reach commercial groves.

In turn, many Florida growers have sold their groves to residential and commercial developers. “Encroachment of subdivisions,” one laments.

Meanwhile, California growers are investing in infrastructure, evidenced by the survey comments “upgraded solar” and “improved our well.” Another grower has “gone more mechanized” to reduce labor costs.

A “somewhat optimistic” California grower believes “necessary consolidation among packers is happening, and efficiency will increase.” Another peer is “very optimistic” because the state’s shortage of irrigation water makes his operation, with adequate water, a possibility for better prices.

Not that all is perfect in California. Says one grower: “The continued erosion of export market opportunities and increased government regulations are making it more difficult.” Adds another: “Bin price was down over 50% due to imported fruit.”

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Click here to see more findings from the 2026 State of the Fruit and Nut Industry survey.