Amending rule to update conversion units used in figuring equivalent boxes for payment of equalization excise assessments in the case that the actual number of boxes cannot be substantiated by appropriate records. The figures ....

 

DEPARTMENT OF CITRUS

RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

20-9.002Processed Form

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: Amending rule to update conversion units used in figuring equivalent boxes for payment of equalization excise assessments in the case that the actual number of boxes cannot be substantiated by appropriate records. The figures are updated every three years based on a five-year weighted average in order to ensure equivalent boxes are up to date and fair.

SUMMARY: Conversion units used in figuring equivalent boxes for payment of equalization excise assessments and housekeeping updates.

SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS AND LEGISLATIVE RATIFICATION:

The Agency has determined that this will not have an adverse impact on small business or likely increase directly or indirectly regulatory costs in excess of $200,000 in the aggregate within one year after the implementation of the rule. A SERC has not been prepared by the Agency.

The Agency has determined that the proposed rule is not expected to require legislative ratification based on the statement of estimated regulatory costs or if no SERC is required, the information expressly relied upon and described herein: The Department used a checklist to conduct an economic analysis and determine if there is an adverse impact or regulatory costs associated with this rule that exceeds the economic criteria in section 120.541(2)(a), F.S. Based upon this analysis, the Department has determined that the proposed rule is not expected to require legislative ratification.

Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: 601.10(1), 601.15(1),(10)(a), 601.155(3),(7) FS.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: 601.155 FS.

A HEARING WILL BE HELD AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW:

DATE AND TIME: May 19, 2021 at 9:00 am

PLACE: Florida Department of Citrus, 605 E Main St, Bartow, FL 33830

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Alice Wiggins, Legal Assistant, P O Box 9010, Bartow, FL 33831, [e-mail] or [phone] or https://fdocgrower.app.box.com/s/cqhycsq5jwxoswmo49m57vm1xif0so9y

 

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

 

20-9.002 Processed Form

(1) No change.

(2) All persons or entities required to file assessment returns pursuant to section 601.155, F.S., shall file, each week, an assessment return on forms furnished by the Department of Citrus (incorporated by reference in rule 20-100.004, F.A.C.).

(a) All persons liable for the assessment imposed by this section shall file with the Department of Citrus, Form 4R – Equalization Assessment Return CIT/REV/04R, rule 20-100.004, F.A.C., as furnished by the Department. The return, certified as true and correct, shall report information as to the number of units of processed orange or grapefruit products subject to this section upon which any assessable privilege was exercised during the period of time covered by the return. Each handler shall maintain records and documentation supporting declarations made on the return filed with the Department of Citrus. Unless the actual number of boxes is known to the processor and can be substantiated by appropriate records in its possession, the following table shall be used in determining the equivalent number of boxes:

Conversion Unit
Product	Oranges	Grapefruit	Number of Equivalent 1-3/5 Bushel Boxes
Concentrate	5.61 6.19 solids	4.42 4.54 solids	1
Single Strength	5.63 5.91 gallons	5.05 5.27 gallons	1

(Table to be updated every three years, based on five-year weighted average of state test house yields.)

(b) through (d) No change.

(3) through (4) No change.

Rulemaking Authority 601.10(1), 601.15(1), (10)(a), 601.155(3), (7) FS. Law Implemented 601.15(5), (6), 601.155 FS. History–Revised 1-1-75, Formerly 105-1.15(2), Amended 11-21-77, 8-1-80, 2-1-81, 8-1-83, Formerly 20-9.02, Amended 7-26-86, 8-30-89, 8-27-91, 7-13-94, 10-25-95, 8-1-97, 8-3-00, 11-27-01, 7-23-03, 7-25-06, 10-21-08, 6-19-12, 11-28-12, 1-28-13, 6-22-16, 8-1-17, 8-1-18,                  .

 

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Elliott Mitchell, General Counsel

NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Florida Citrus Commission

DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: March 17, 2021

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: March 25, 2021