New rule classifying the new variety of citrus hybrid “LB8-9” as a mandarin/tangerine to enhance the marketing strategies for fresh fruit, allowing the Florida citrus industry to better compete in the marketplace.

 

DEPARTMENT OF CITRUS

RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

20-13.029LB8-9: Classification and Standards:

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: New rule classifying the new variety of citrus hybrid “LB8-9” as a mandarin/tangerine to enhance the marketing strategies for fresh fruit, allowing the Florida citrus industry to better compete in the marketplace.

SUMMARY: Classification the new variety of citrus hybrid “LB8-9”.

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(7), 601.11, 601.9910(3) F.S.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: 601.11, 601.9910(3) F.S.

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

DATE AND TIME: May 18, 2022 at 9:00 a.m.

PLACE: Florida Department of Citrus, 605 E. Main Street, Bartow, Florida 33830

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Belinette Jones, Legal Assistant, Florida Department of Citrus, P.O. Box 9010, Bartow, Florida 33831-9010 or [e-mail]

 

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

 

20-13.029              LB8-9: Classification and Standards:

(1) Classification:  The market classification of the citrus hybrid “LB8-9” shall be “Tangerine” or “Mandarin,” a mandarin hybrid (Citrus reticulata x (Citrus paradisi x Citrus reticulata)

(2) Identification: 

(a) The proper identification shall be either Sugar Belle® brand (subject to a written agreement with Florida Foundation Seed Producers or its designee), “Florida Tangerine,” “Tangerine,” “Florida Mandarin” or “Mandarin” and one such name shall be used whenever this fruit is identified.

(b) In order to be marketed as “Florida Mandarin” or “Mandarin” the fruit must meet the requirements set forth in 20-13.0042.

(3) In order to be marketed as seedless or low-seeded the fruit must meet the definitions set forth in 20-13.0041.

(4) Standards: All state laws and rules applicable to “Tangerines” shall be applicable to this fruit.

PROPOSED EFFECTIVE DATE August 1, 2022.

Rulemaking Authority 601.10(7), 601.11, 601.9910(3) FS.  Law Implemented 601.11, 601.9910(3) FS. History—New                             .

 

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 16, 2022

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: March 17, 2022