Growth Spurt: Florida Citrus Season Wraps up on a Positive Note

It has been a minute since the Florida citrus season output exceeded initial crop estimates. But according to newly released USDA stats, the 2025-2026 Florida citrus campaign accomplished that feat. Way back in January, initial crop estimates from the government agency included 12 million boxes for all oranges and 1.2 million boxes of all grapefruit. The season’s final estimate shows all oranges finishing at 12.92 million boxes (up 6% from the revised forecast in April) and 1.35 million boxes of grapefruit (up 8% respectively).

A year ago, the final numbers for the 2024-2025 Florida citrus season settled at 12.2 million boxes of oranges and 1.3 million boxes of grapefruit. This was opposed to the initial forecast calling for 15 million boxes of oranges and 1.4 million boxes of grapefruit. The shortfalls have been an unfortunate trend over the last decade plus.

While the numbers today are quite modest compared to seasons past, the increases give growers and industry stakeholders something positive to grow on.

The Florida Department of Citrus points out grapefruit as a hot spot for new investment in structures where the trees are grown under protective screens. Given the proven new growth in that segment, expect the commitment to protected citriculture to continue.

“This is a remarkable exclamation point on another challenging season for Florida citrus,” says Shannon Shepp, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Citrus. “While growers escaped hurricane threats last fall, the winter cold created sustained freezing temperatures and subsequent fruit loss. This moment validates that even in the face of natural challenges, our growers are doing what’s right to preserve and grow the Florida citrus industry.”

Cheers to that sentiment and for the growers and researchers who continue to grind.

---

For perspective: During the 1997-1998 season, 244 million boxes of oranges (a record high) were harvested in Florida. During the 1996-1997 season, 55.8 million boxes of grapefruit came to fruition.

---

How much the face of Florida citrus has changed over the last two decades — especially due to HLB and multiple major hurricanes (Irma and Ian in particular) — is striking.

Here’s to brighter days ahead.

The first USDA forecast for the 2026-2027 citrus season is scheduled to be released Oct. 9, 2026.