20-53.001. Maturity Standards  


Effective on Sunday, June 24, 2018
  • 1(1) During the period of time beginning with August 1 of each year and ending with October 31 of the same year, both dates inclusive, oranges shall be deemed to be mature only when each orange:

    37(a) The total soluble solids of the juice of the sample is not less than 9 percent;

    54(b) The ratio of total soluble solids of the juice of the sample to the anhydrous citric acid set forth in chapter 20-54, F.A.C.;

    78(c) The juice of the sample contains not less than 0.4 percent of anhydrous citric acid;

    94(d) The juice content of the orange sample is in an amount not less than at the rate of 4 1/2 gallons of juice per standard-packed box.

    121(2) During that period of time beginning with November 1 of each year and ending November 15 of the same year, both dates inclusive, oranges shall be deemed to be mature only when each orange:

    156(a) The total soluble solids of the juice of the sample is not less than 8.7 percent;

    173(b) The ratio of total soluble solids of the juice of the sample to the anhydrous citric acid is as set forth in chapter 20-54, F.A.C.;

    199(c) The juice of the sample contains not less than 0.4 percent of anhydrous citric acid;

    215(d) The juice content of said orange sample is in an amount not less than at the rate of 4 1/2 gallons of juice per standard-packed box.

    242(3) Except as provided in subsection (4), during that period of time beginning with November 16 of each year and ending with July 31 of the following year, both dates inclusive, oranges shall be deemed to be mature only when each orange:

    284(a) The total soluble solids of the juice of the sample is not less than 8.5 percent;

    301(b) The ratio of the total soluble solids of the juice of the sample to the anhydrous citric acid is as set forth in chapter 20-54, F.A.C.;

    328(c) The juice of the sample contains not less than 0.4 percent of anhydrous citric acid;

    344(d) And the juice content of said orange sample is in an amount not less than at the rate of 4 1/2 gallons of juice per standard-packed box.

    372(4) From December 1 of each year to July 31 of the following year, both dates inclusive, oranges shall be deemed to be mature for canning and concentrating purposes when the total soluble solids of the juice is not less than 8 percent and when the minimum ratio of the total soluble solids of the juice to the anhydrous citric acid is as set forth in chapter 20-54, F.A.C., with no minimum requirement as to juice content or acid.

    451Rulemaking Authority 453601.10(7) FS. 455Law Implemented 457601.11 FS. 459History–New 1-1-13, Amended 6-24-18.