The Florida Citrus Commission (FCC) has temporarily lowered maturity standards for processed oranges and processed grapefruit following a request by the Florida Citrus Processors Association and Florida Citrus Mutual. The change, enacted through emergency rulemaking on October 22, allows processors to accept fruit at lower Brix levels through the 2025/26 season.
The Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC), which operates under the FCC, confirmed the details and effective dates of the adjustments.
Oranges
From October 24, 2025, through July 31, 2026, processed oranges must have a minimum Brix value of 7.0, and there will be no minimum ratio of total soluble solids to anhydrous citric acid. The change applies to all fruit categories, including field-run and eliminations.
Previously, the minimum Brix standards for processed oranges were set at 9.0% from August 1 to October 31, 8.7% from November 1 to November 15, and 8.5% from November 16 to July 31.
Grapefruit
For processed grapefruit, the minimum Brix requirement will be 7.0 from October 24, 2025, through December 31, 2025. In the same period, from October 24, 2025, to July 31, 2026, the minimum ratio of total soluble solids to anhydrous citric acid will be suspended, allowing processors to accept fruit below the usual maturity threshold.
The prior standards required a minimum Brix value of 8.0% for seedy grapefruit and 7.5% for seedless grapefruit between August 1 and November 30. From December 31 onward, the standard was reduced to 7.0%.
Industry explanation
"It is still up to the processors to decide what (fruit) they want to take," said FCC Chairman Steve Johnson. "The Oct. 22 emergency rulemaking means that processors have the right to take fruit, but doesn't mean that they must take it."
The FCC regulates maturity levels for Florida's citrus categories, including oranges, grapefruit, and specialty fruit such as tangerines and tangelos. Under state law, the commission may issue emergency rules to adjust maturity standards when external factors, including weather or disease, limit fruit quality.
The FDOC stated that the latest decision responds to the ongoing impacts of citrus greening on crop quality and volume. The temporary rule enables processors and packinghouses to accept lower-maturity fruit for blending or other processing applications later in the season.
Source: Citrus Industry
