Florida’s identity has long been linked to its citrus production, establishing the state as a global source for oranges, particularly for juice. The commercial cultivation of citrus, introduced by Spanish explorers in the 16th century, has evolved into a highly specialized industry. Today, orange growing is concentrated in specific geographic zones that provide the unique climatic and geological conditions necessary for large-scale production.
The Core Growing Regions
The modern hub for Florida orange production is situated largely in the southern two-thirds of the peninsula, spanning what is known as the “Citrus Belt.” This area is a dynamic region that consistently provides warmer conditions than the state’s northern parts. Production is heavily concentrated in a handful of central and south-central counties that account for most of the state’s orange harvest.
Currently, the highest-producing counties include Polk, DeSoto, and Highlands in the central region, along with Hendry and Hardee counties further south. These five counties collectively represent over 70% of Florida’s total citrus production. Polk County, historically associated with the industry, often maintains the highest output. Growers in these regions focus predominantly on oranges destined for processing into juice, with the Valencia and Hamlin varieties being among the most common.
Environmental Factors Supporting Florida Citrus
The geographical concentration of orange groves is dictated by the precise environmental conditions required to sustain the trees. The primary factor is the avoidance of hard freezes, as citrus trees are particularly sensitive to cold temperatures. Damage to round oranges begins to occur after approximately four hours at or below 28 degrees Fahrenheit, which establishes the southern limit for profitable commercial farming.
The soil composition is also a fundamental requirement for successful orange cultivation. Many groves are planted on the Entisols of the Central Ridge, which are naturally well-drained, sandy soils that allow for deep root growth. However, many of the newer, southern groves utilize Spodosols and Alfisols found in the flatwoods regions.
These flatwoods soils are often poorly drained due to a subsurface layer or hardpan, necessitating the use of artificial drainage systems. Growers manage this water retention by planting trees on raised beds separated by drainage ditches to lower the water table. This practice is crucial for preventing root saturation and disease while still benefiting from Florida’s high annual rainfall.
The Changing Geography of Florida Citrus
The map of Florida orange production continually shifting in response to economic and biological pressures. Historically, the industry’s center of gravity moved southward after a series of devastating freezes in the late 19th and mid-20th centuries. These events forced growers to abandon traditional northern groves and replant in areas with a lower probability of frost.
More recently, the industry has experienced geographical change due to two main drivers: urbanization and disease. Growing development pressure in Central Florida has converted former citrus land into housing and commercial areas, pushing farming operations further into undeveloped southern counties. The most profound impact, however, stems from the spread of Huanglongbing (HLB), commonly known as citrus greening disease.
This bacterial disease, spread by the tiny Asian citrus psyllid, has decimated groves across the state, leading to a dramatic reduction in overall acreage and yield. As growers struggle to manage HLB, many have relocated operations to the far south of the peninsula, seeking areas with slightly different environmental conditions or newly developed infrastructure.