The Florida Citrus Fruit Dealer’s License
Hopefully, you already have your license. If not, don’t worry. You can get your FL Citrus Fruit Dealer’s License from the Florida Department of Citrus. Fill out their application, the license only costs $25.
Not a citrus fruit dealer? If that’s the case, then I’m not entirely sure why you’ve read this far… If you happen to be a Florida Agricultural Products Dealer, check this out!
Now, about those surety bonds I mentioned earlier.
What is a Surety Bond?
A surety bond is a guarantee to the Obligee, on behalf of a Surety Company, that the Principal will follow the regulations associated with their license. The Obligee is the entity requiring you to get a bond. In this case, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). You, the business owner, are the Principal and the Surety Company is the agency that guarantees the bond.
About the Florida Citrus Fruit Dealer’s Bond
The FL Citrus Fruit Dealer’s Surety Bond requires a bond amount varying from $1,000 to $100,000. The volume of business you do is what determines that bond amount. Furthermore, this bond expires on July 31st of every year, as does your license.
The FDACS requires anyone who profits off the sale of Florida citrus to get a Citrus Fruit Dealer’s License and the related bond. This includes everyone except those who sell directly to the consumer and not for resale.
The Florida Citrus Law covers all citrus products, aside from limes and lemons.
You can find more detailed information about the Florida Citrus Fruit Dealer’s License on the FDACS website. But this bond is not the only requirement.
What Else do You Need?
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the Citrus Fruit Dealer’s Bond is not the only bond you need. Citrus fruit dealers are also required to get a Citrus Fruit Dealer to Guarantee the Payment of Inspection Fees Surety Bond pursuant to Chapter 601 of the Florida Statutes.
I know, that was a mouthful. In short, this specific bond ensures that citrus fruit dealers adhere to the regulations set forth by the Florida Statutes. This means accurately accounting for any inspection fees and payments due to the Commissioner of Agriculture.
If you’d like more information about the bond requirements for citrus fruit dealers, review Florida Citrus Code Chapter 601.61.
At this point, you’re likely wondering what it will take to get both bonds. That’s where we come in.
How to get Your FL Citrus Fruit Bonds?
Fortunately, Ezsuretybonds.com has created a simple application process for you!
First, calculate the bond amount that you need for each bond. Do this by reviewing the 2nd page of the bond form for each bond: Citrus Dealer Bond Form and Citrus Inspection Fees Bond Form.
Once you know the bond amount you need all you have to do is apply! Make sure to submit an application for each bond type you need.
If you need a Citrus Fruit Dealer’s Bond between $1,000 and $100,000, apply here.
The Citrus Fruit Inspection Fees Bond is available with a bond amount of $1,000, $2,000, $4,000, $6,000, $8,000, or $10,000.
Will These Bonds Break the Bank?
Each of these bonds is based on your credit. If you have poor credit, fret not. We’ve helped many people in the same situation and we’ll help you too! Apply anyways and we’ll do our best to get you approved, find you a reasonable quote, and contact you within one business day.
Ezsuretybonds.com offers the Citrus Fruit Dealer’s Bond for as low as $100, plus shipping costs and fees.
The Citrus Fruit Inspection Bond ($1,000 to $6,000) starts at $100 as well. If you need a higher bond amount ($8,000 to $10,000), the price begins at $150, plus shipping and fees.
That’s All You Need to Know
Once you have your Florida Citrus Fruit Dealer’s License and Surety Bond, in addition to the Citrus Fruit Inspection Fees Bond, you’ll be good to go. If you have any more questions about surety bonding in general, please visit our FAQ page or give us a call at 1-866-546-4605.
