The proposed rule will address the necessity of immediate action to eradicate fruit flies of economic importance before any infestation spreads. Depending on the fruit fly species, these pests will infest several to hundreds of host plants species, several of which are of significant economic importance to Florida (e.g., citrus, tomatoes, peppers). If the fruit fly continues to spread unchecked, it will cause substantial damage to fruit and vegetable-bearing plants in home gardens and agricultural production areas resulting in several millions of dollars in control costs, lost production, increased consumer prices in the marketplace, and loss of domestic and international markets.