20-10.002. Interstate Shipments for Commercial Processing

(1) Fresh citrus fruit may be shipped interstate to any packing house, or processing plant for commercial processing, as herein defined, without the issuance and filing of inspection certificates and without the grade being shown on the container.

(2) All persons who desire to make such shipments shall first secure a special permit for such shipments by application on forms to be furnished by the Department of Citrus. A single application for permits may cover a full shipping season, however a separate permit must be used for each shipment. The permit application shall affirmatively show that the fresh citrus fruit so shipped will be converted into a product which comes within the definition of “commercial processing” as defined herein. A maturity inspection certificate shall be obtained for each shipment and a copy of this certificate shall accompany the special permit as evidence of maturity compliance.

(3) Prior to the issuance of such permit, an investigation shall be conducted by the Department of Citrus to determine that the packing house or processing plant for which each shipment is intended is actually engaged in the business of making such product or products as stated in the application and that these products come within the definition of “commercial processing” as herein defined. In addition, the permit applicant must assume the responsibility of having the receiver of each shipment under such a permit mail to the Department of Citrus within ten days of receipt of shipment an affidavit attesting that the fruit was received and used exclusively for the purposes stated in the application for permit.

(4) Assessments and inspection fees due on such fruit shall be paid in accordance with applicable rules of the Department of Citrus.

(5) “Commercial processing” is defined as conversion of fresh citrus fruit into a processed or manufactured product, including but not limited to marmalade, beverage base, concentrated juices, canned or bottled fruit or fruit juices wherein the keeping qualities of the end product are preserved and the characteristics are retained for a substantial period of time without the need of further treatment, such as refrigeration, after processing. “Commercial processing” does not include (1) the conversion of fresh citrus into and for sale as fresh fruit juices, or (2) the packing of fresh citrus fruit in containers outside the State of Florida.

Rulemaking Authority 601.10(1), 601.50 FS. Law Implemented 601.50 FS. History–Formerly 105-1.11(2), Amended 1-1-75, Formerly 20-10.02, Amended 11-28-12.