Florida Citrus Fruit Dealer Bond
Florida is known for its abundant citrus fruit production, making it a prime location for citrus fruit dealers. With its warm climate and fertile soil, the state has become a hub for growing a variety of citrus fruits, including oranges, grapefruits, and lemons. In this blog post, we will explore the world of being a Florida citrus fruit dealer, from the process of sourcing the fruits to the challenges faced in the industry. Whether you are a citrus fruit enthusiast or someone interested in the business side of the fruit industry, this post will provide valuable insights into the life of a Florida citrus fruit dealer.
Florida Citrus Fruit Dealers Surety Bond for Assessment Fees or Inspection Fees
A surety bond for assessment fees or inspection fees is required for Florida citrus fruit dealers to obtain a license. This bond guarantees that dealers will adhere to the state's laws regarding citrus fruit purchase, sale, handling, and accounting. The Department determines the bond amount based on factors such as the volume of fruit handled in the previous season, the projected crop volume for the current season, and other considerations. A citrus fruit dealer is someone who directly purchases fruit from processors, packinghouses, growers, gift fruit order takers, and shippers.
Surety Bond Requirements:
The expiration date of the surety bond for FL citrus fruit growing season is July 31, which aligns with the season from August 1 to July 31.
The surety bond amount is determined based on the following schedule:
- A $1,000 bond covers up to 2,000 boxes.
- A $2,000 bond covers up to 5,000 boxes.
- A $3,750 bond covers up to 7,500 boxes.
- A $5,000 bond covers up to 10,000 boxes.
- A $10,000 bond covers up to 20,000 boxes.
- An additional $1,000 bond is required for each additional 20,000 boxes or fraction thereof beyond 20,000 boxes, with a maximum bond amount of $100,000.
Dealer applicants can obtain a license from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Department of Citrus, and pay the associated fee.
Assessment fee surety bonds are mandatory for processors, growers, and packinghouses for assessment payments. The Assessment Surety Calculation form must be completed to determine the bond amount.
Inspection fee surety bonds are required for processors and packinghouses that have fruit or fruit products requiring inspection by the USDA or the Florida Division of Fruit & Vegetables. The bond form will be sent by mail before June 1 each year and will include the required bond amount. The completed bond form must be sent to a surety for processing.
How Much Will This FL Bond Cost?
The cost of a Florida Citrus Fruit Dealer, Assessment Fee Surety Bond or an Inspection Fee Surety Bond is determined by your credit and the required bond amount. For bond amounts below $10,000, rates can be as low as $130 if you have good credit. Bond amounts exceeding $50,000 necessitate personal and/or business financial statements. Get in touch with our Surety Bond Specialists to receive a complimentary quote tailored to your unique circumstances.
Conclusion
Being a Florida citrus fruit dealer comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. From sourcing the fruits to marketing and sales, every step requires careful planning and execution. However, the opportunity to work with delicious and nutritious citrus fruits and contribute to the vibrant fruit industry in Florida makes it a fulfilling and exciting venture. Whether you are considering becoming a citrus fruit dealer or simply interested in learning more about the industry, this blog post has provided valuable insights into the world of Florida citrus fruit dealers.
Florida Citrus Fruit Dealer Guarantee or Citrus Inspection Fees Those engaged as Citrus Fruit Dealers in the State of Florida are required by the Florida Department of Agriculture to execute a Florida Citrus Inspection Fees Payment Bond to ensure compliance with Chapter 601 of the Florida Statutes.
