The Florida Citrus Commission has given the green light to a proposed $22.903 million operating budget for the Florida Department of Citrus (FDOC) for the 2025–26 period. This represents an increase of $1.4 million over the previous fiscal year's budget. The adjustment arises from $1.1 million allocated through additional state general revenue allocations and a $356,000 boost in USDA grant funding.
The FDOC, as a state agency, reflects these changes in its budget due to a mandatory 2% salary increment for state employees. The majority of the budget, sourced from $13.375 million in state general revenue, got its nod of approval following the signature of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on the state's 2025–26 budget, which has earmarked over $104.5 million towards the Citrus Research and Field Trial Foundation.
The FCC, functioning as the FDOC's governing body, includes members appointed by the governor. The new roster of appointees includes Emma Ezell, Sean Frielich, Vernon Hollingsworth III, Daniel Hunt, and Melanie Ressler, while Steve Johnson, Carlos Martinez, William Poulton, Daniel Sutton, and John "Patrick" Schirard have been reappointed.
Source: Citrus Industry
