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Florida citrus season: when each fruit peaks, U-pick tips, and the rules for shipping fruit out of state
Florida citrus doesn't arrive all at once. Satsumas and Fallglos start the fall, navels and grapefruit fill the holidays, Honeybells show up in winter, and Valencias finish in spring. Here's when each one peaks, how to find a grove that lets you pick your own, and what the federal citrus quarantine means before you mail a box to family up north.
The short version
- Peak season: mid-November to April, the Florida Department of Citrus says.
- Want to send fruit out of state? Buy a box from a Florida shipper. Commercially packed citrus with a federal certificate can go to every state.
- Don't mail your backyard fruit yourself. USDA says homeowner fruit can leave Florida only if it's packed at a USDA-approved facility, like commercial fruit.
- Want to pick your own? Start with FDACS's U-Pick Farm Locator, and call before you go.
- Questions about moving citrus? FDACS Division of Plant Industry: 1-800-282-5153.
Season overview from the Florida Department of Agriculture
| Fruit | Typical harvest |
|---|---|
| Oranges | September through June |
| Grapefruit | September through May |
| Tangerines | September through May |
FDACS notes that weather can shift the harvest schedule. Its Crops in Season page has a printable shopping list for each month.
When each variety peaks
Seasons from the University of Florida's Citrus Culture in the Home Landscape guide, from earliest to latest:
| Variety | Season |
|---|---|
| Satsuma (mandarin) | September to November |
| Fallglo (tangerine type) | October to November |
| Robinson (tangerine type) | October to December |
| Navel orange | October to January |
| Hamlin orange | October to January |
| Sunburst tangerine | November to December |
| Orlando tangelo | November to January |
| Grapefruit: Marsh, Ruby Red, Rio Red, Flame | November to May |
| Grapefruit: Duncan, Pink Marsh, Star Ruby | December to May |
| Dancy tangerine | December to January |
| Ponkan tangerine | December to January |
| Pineapple orange | December to February |
| Minneola tangelo (Honeybell) | December to February |
| Midsweet orange | January to March |
| Temple tangor | January to March |
| Murcott (honey tangerine) | January to March |
| Valencia orange | March to June |
| Kumquat and calamondin | November to April |
| Meyer lemon | November to March |
| Key lime | Year-round |
- Honeybell trivia: Minneola tangelos are a tangerine and grapefruit cross, marketed as Honeybells for the bell-shaped neck at the stem end.
- Juice kings: UF calls Valencia the king of Florida juice oranges. Navels are the most popular because you can eat them fresh or juice them.
- Kumquats: the only citrus meant to be eaten whole, peel and all.
- Satsumas: well suited to cold areas north of Orlando. They ripen in late November and hold on the tree only about four to six weeks.
U-pick citrus
- Where to look: FDACS's U-Pick Farm Locator. FDACS says citrus is one of Florida's popular U-pick crops, along with blueberries, strawberries, and others.
- The list isn't complete. Farms don't have to register, and being listed doesn't mean FDACS endorses a farm.
- Call ahead. Most farms are seasonal, and weather and demand change what's available. Confirm the days and hours.
- What to bring: a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, sturdy shoes, comfortable clothes, and your own containers.
- Grove stands: the Florida Department of Citrus says many shippers also sell in person, and some let you visit a grove stand.
- Picking in Southwest or Central Florida? Ask the grove whether it's in a citrus black spot quarantine area before you plan to take fruit far.
This page doesn't name or recommend individual farms. The "ask about black spot" tip is our own suggestion, based on FDACS's quarantine rules.
Shipping citrus out of state: the rules
All of Florida is under quarantine. FDACS says the whole state is under a USDA quarantine for citrus canker, sweet orange scab, citrus greening, and the Asian citrus psyllid. Parts of several counties are also under quarantine for citrus black spot.
| What you want to do | The rule |
|---|---|
| Send a gift box from a Florida shipper | Allowed to every state and territory, including California, Texas, and Arizona, if the fruit is packed and treated at a packinghouse under a USDA compliance agreement, has no leaves or twigs, and carries a federal certificate |
| Fruit marked as Limited Permit | Limited distribution only. It can't go to citrus-growing states and territories. |
| Mail fruit from your own tree | Only if packed at a USDA compliance-agreement facility and treated like commercial fruit |
| Carry fruit in your car or on a plane | Call the Division of Plant Industry first at 1-800-282-5153. FDACS's own pages give different answers. |
| Move backyard fruit within Florida | Allowed, except out of citrus black spot areas, but FDACS asks you to have it inspected first |
Citrus-producing states and territories, per FDACS: Arizona, California, Hawaii, Louisiana, Texas, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. USDA's limited-permit rules also list Alabama for some fruit.
Why it matters: these rules exist to prevent the spread of citrus pests and diseases. Citrus greening, carried by the Asian citrus psyllid, is one of the diseases on that list.
The USDA shipping procedures used here are version 9.0, effective September 1, 2024, as posted by FDACS. USDA's own website didn't open for our automated source check, so we used the FDACS copy. Quarantine boundaries change, so check FDACS's quarantine maps before you ship.
Backyard citrus: what you can and can't do
- Eat it, share it locally: backyard fruit can move within Florida, except out of citrus black spot areas.
- But get it inspected first: FDACS asks people not to move backyard citrus without an inspection by a local Division of Plant Industry inspector. Contact a Citrus Health Response Program office.
- Out of state: only through a USDA compliance-agreement packing facility, meeting commercial requirements.
- Selling it: see Selling fruit below.
Citrus black spot counties
FDACS lists dooryard (backyard) citrus black spot rules for Collier, Charlotte, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Lee, Manatee, and Polk counties. Only parts of each county are in the quarantine.
- Backyard fruit stays put. Fruit, trees, and plant material from a residential black spot quarantine area may not leave it.
- Eat it locally. FDACS says dooryard fruit should be eaten in the neighborhood where it grew.
- Commercial fruit must be covered by a tarp or in a covered vehicle, with permits and trip tickets, when it moves out of the area.
Citrus trees and plants
- Leaving Florida: only if certified by USDA and from a nursery complying with FDACS rules, with each plant individually tagged.
- Coming into Florida: citrus plants or plant parts from other states, territories, or countries may not enter, except USDA-inspected and certified fruit.
- Buying a tree here: UF says to buy only certified nursery plants from nurseries registered with the state.
- Fruit all year: plant an early, midseason, and late orange, such as Hamlin, Pineapple, and Valencia, for fresh fruit from early November to July.
Selling citrus
- Roadside stands and flea markets: FDACS encourages sellers to get an Agricultural Dealer's License, which is required for all but cash-only sales. Selling directly to consumers needs no other state license, though cities and counties may have their own rules.
- Anything beyond retail: anyone who profits from Florida citrus other than by selling retail needs a citrus fruit dealer license. It costs $25 per shipping season.
- Uninspected fruit: buying uninspected citrus for resale requires a dealer license, and it's allowed only direct from the producer.
Keeping it fresh, and gift box timing
- Fridge life: up to three weeks in the refrigerator crisper.
- Gift box delivery: about two to three weeks on average. Each grower ships differently, so confirm before ordering for a holiday.
- Which fruit is in the box: the shippers know what's best and in season at the time.
Where sources differ
| Question | One source | Another source |
|---|---|---|
| Taking citrus out of state for yourself | FDACS license page: no citrus may leave the state without a USDA limited permit, and no Florida citrus may enter citrus-producing states, even for personal use. The same page also allows up to 12 bushels for a person's own use, subject to plant-health rules. | FDACS quarantine page and USDA procedures: certified, commercially packed fruit can go to any state. Commercially packed fruit is the clear route. For anything else, call 1-800-282-5153. |
| Honeybell season | Florida Department of Citrus: only in January | University of Florida: December to February |
| Overall season | Florida Department of Citrus: bulk of the season mid-November to April | FDACS: oranges September to June, grapefruit and tangerines September to May |
| Black spot counties | FDACS quarantine summary: parts of Collier, Hendry, Polk, Charlotte, Lee, and Glades | Same page, dooryard rules: also DeSoto and Manatee. Check the current map. |
Questions people ask
When is Florida citrus season?
The Florida Department of Citrus says the bulk of the season runs from mid-November to April. The Florida Department of Agriculture lists oranges from September through June, and grapefruit and tangerines from September through May.
When are Honeybells in season?
The Florida Department of Citrus says Honeybell tangelos are only available in January. A University of Florida guide gives Minneola tangelos, sold as Honeybells, a December to February season.
When are navel oranges in season in Florida?
A University of Florida guide lists navel oranges as an early variety, October through January.
When are Valencia oranges ripe?
Late in the season. The University of Florida lists Valencia from March to June.
When is Florida grapefruit in season?
The Florida Department of Agriculture lists grapefruit from September through May. University of Florida tables put Marsh, Ruby Red, Rio Red, and Flame at November to May.
When are Florida tangerines in season?
The Florida Department of Agriculture lists tangerines from September through May. By variety, UF lists Fallglo in October and November, Sunburst in November and December, Dancy and Ponkan in December and January, and Murcott (honey tangerine) from January to March.
Can I mail oranges from my backyard tree to another state?
Not on your own. USDA's shipping procedures say homeowner fruit can be shipped out of state only if it's packed at a facility operating under a USDA compliance agreement and meets the same requirements as commercial fruit. FDACS says not to move backyard citrus without an inspection.
Can I send a box of Florida citrus to California or Texas?
Yes, if it's commercially packed. USDA's procedures say Florida citrus can be shipped to every state and territory, including California, Texas, and Arizona, if it's packed and treated in a packinghouse under a USDA compliance agreement and comes with a federal certificate.
Why is Florida citrus under quarantine?
FDACS says all of Florida is under a USDA quarantine for citrus canker, sweet orange scab, citrus greening, and the Asian citrus psyllid. Parts of several Southwest and Central Florida counties are also quarantined for citrus black spot.
Can I take citrus with me when I drive out of state?
Call first. One FDACS page allows up to 12 bushels for a person's own use, still subject to plant-health rules. The same page says no Florida-grown citrus may enter citrus-producing states, including citrus for personal use. Call the Division of Plant Industry at 1-800-282-5153.
Which states are citrus-producing states?
FDACS lists Arizona, California, Hawaii, Louisiana, Texas, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. USDA's shipping rules also include Alabama for some fruit.
Can I take a citrus tree out of Florida?
Only if it's certified by USDA and comes from a nursery that complies with FDACS rules. Each plant must be tagged. Citrus plants from other states can't come into Florida.
What is the citrus black spot quarantine?
FDACS says backyard citrus fruit, trees, and plant material from a residential citrus black spot quarantine area may not be moved outside it. That fruit should be eaten in the neighborhood where it grew.
How do I find a U-pick citrus grove in Florida?
Use the Florida Department of Agriculture's U-Pick Farm Locator. FDACS says citrus is one of the popular U-pick crops, but the list isn't complete, and you should call ahead to check what's available and the hours.
What should I bring to a U-pick farm?
FDACS suggests a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, sturdy shoes, comfortable clothes, and your own containers in case the farm doesn't provide them.
How long does fresh Florida citrus last?
The Florida Department of Citrus says fresh Florida citrus lasts up to three weeks in the refrigerator crisper.
How long does a citrus gift box take to arrive?
The Florida Department of Citrus says each grower ships differently, but deliveries average about two to three weeks. Confirm shipping when you order.
Do I need a license to sell citrus from my trees?
Selling directly to consumers at retail doesn't need a citrus dealer license, but FDACS encourages roadside and flea market sellers to get an Agricultural Dealer's License, which is required for all but cash-only sales. Anyone profiting from Florida citrus any other way needs a citrus fruit dealer license, which costs $25.
How can I have fresh citrus all year from my own trees?
The University of Florida says planting an early, a midseason, and a late variety, such as Hamlin, Pineapple, and Valencia oranges, supplies fresh fruit from early November to July.
Sources
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: Crops in Season, U-Pick Farms, citrus quarantine and disease maps, Citrus Health Response Program, citrus license and bond
- USDA APHIS: Florida Fresh Citrus Fruit Shipment Procedures, version 9.0, effective Sept. 1, 2024 (posted by FDACS)
- Florida Department of Citrus: frequently asked questions
- University of Florida IFAS: Citrus Culture in the Home Landscape, Gardening Solutions: citrus
This page is general information, not legal advice. Quarantine rules change.