NewsCreative Loafing Tampa Bay — NewsSeptember 8, 2026Hillsborough County
U.S. Department of Agriculture reports Florida lost nearly 21 percent of citrus land over the past year
Photo: Creative Loafing Tampa Bay — News
The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that Florida lost nearly 21 percent of its citrus farms over the past year. As the 2026-2027 growing season begins, 165,359 acres across 23 Florida counties are currently in use for producing oranges, grapefruit, and specialty fruits.
Read the full story at Creative Loafing Tampa Bay — NewsWhy It Matters
The change directly affects the agricultural footprint and land allocation for citrus production across 23 Florida counties, documenting a drop to 165,359 active acres.
Key Facts
- Florida lost nearly 21 percent of its citrus farms over the past year.
- There are 165,359 acres currently in use for producing oranges, grapefruit, and specialty fruits.
- The data covers 23 Florida counties.
- The statistics come from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s preliminary Commercial Citrus Inventory report.
- The report is released as the 2026-2027 growing season gets underway.
Who's Mentioned
PersonBen Albritton“Senate President and citrus grower from Wauchula”locationFlorida“State where citrus land acreage decreased”locationHighlands County“Second in citrus acreage with 34,671 total acres”OrganizationCreative Loafing Tampa“Publisher of the news article”OrganizationAlico, Inc.“Large landowner deciding to end citrus operations and focus on land sales, leasi”OrganizationTampa Bay Journalism Project“Project referenced at the end of the article”OrganizationDepartment of Citrus“Receives funding for marketing efforts”PersonJason Brodeur“Sanford Republican Senator and chairman of the Appropriations Committee on Agric”locationHendry County“Sixth in citrus acreage with a little more than 9,000 acres”OrganizationU.S. Department of Agriculture“Issued the preliminary Commercial Citrus Inventory report”locationPolk County“Lost the most acreage but still leads in total citrus acreage with 37,529 acres”PersonJohn Kiernan“Alico President and Chief Executive Officer”