What is a Citrus Fruit Dealer Bond for Excise Taxes?

A Citrus Fruit Dealer Bond – Excise Taxes is a surety bond required by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Division of Fruit and Vegetables. This bond guarantees that citrus dealers properly pay all excise taxes owed to the State of Florida.

Citrus excise taxes fund state programs that support the citrus industry, including marketing, research, and regulation. By requiring this bond, the State ensures that every licensed dealer fulfills their tax obligations, keeping Florida’s citrus market fair and transparent.

If you’re ready to secure your bond, contact us and our specialists will guide you through the application process.

 

Why is this Bond Required?

Florida’s citrus industry is one of the most important in the country, and excise taxes are a crucial revenue source for maintaining quality standards, disease prevention, and promotional campaigns. The Excise Tax Bond ensures:

1. Payment of Excise Taxes – Dealers must remit all citrus excise taxes owed.
2. Compliance with Chapter 601, Florida Statutes – This law governs excise taxation and oversight of citrus products.
3. Financial Protection – If a dealer fails to pay excise taxes, the bond provides a financial remedy for the State of Florida.

Without this bond, citrus dealers cannot maintain an active license to operate.

 

Bond Amounts & Coverage

The required bond amount is determined by the volume of business and excise tax liability. FDACS sets the bond amount to reflect the dealer’s scale of operations, ensuring adequate coverage.

While the excise tax bond differs from the inspection fees bond, the concept is the same: the amount of the bond is proportional to the potential tax owed. This ensures the State is covered against unpaid taxes while keeping the obligation fair to smaller dealers.

 

Term & Renewal

Citrus Fruit Dealer Bonds for Excise Taxes must be renewed annually, typically aligning with the July 31 licensing deadline. Dealers must maintain an active bond year after year to stay compliant.

If a bond is canceled, lapses, or isn’t renewed, the dealer risks:
- Suspension of their citrus dealer license
- Inability to buy or sell citrus fruit legally
- Potential fines or penalties

 

Who Needs a Citrus Excise Tax Bond?

You’ll need this bond if you are:
- A licensed citrus dealer responsible for paying excise taxes in Florida
- A grower’s agent, processor, or broker subject to excise tax requirements
- Any entity required by FDACS and Chapter 601, Florida Statutes to guarantee excise tax payment

Even if your business is small, compliance with tax and bonding laws is mandatory.

 

Cost of the Bond

The bond amount required by FDACS is not the same as your premium (the price you pay for the bond). Surety Bond Authority offers competitive rates, often just a small percentage of the required bond amount.

Your cost is based on:
- Credit history
- Business size & revenue
- Financial strength
- Bonding history & compliance record

Most qualified applicants can expect affordable rates, with same-day approvals in many cases.

 

How to Obtain a Citrus Fruit Dealer Excise Tax Bond

Working with Surety Bond Authority makes the process simple:

1. Apply online or by phone – Provide basic business information.
2. Get a free quote – Our underwriters will find the best rate available.
3. Issue your bond – Once approved, we’ll prepare and deliver your official bond form quickly.
4. File with FDACS – Submit the bond to the Division of Fruit and Vegetables to stay compliant.

 

Why Choose Surety Bond Authority?

- Fast Approvals – Many bonds issued within 24 hours
- Lowest Rates – We partner with top surety carriers nationwide
- Florida Citrus Expertise – We understand the unique requirements of Chapter 601 and FDACS
- Trusted Team – Thousands of businesses trust us for agricultural and license bonds

 

Get Started Today

Don’t risk non-compliance, penalties, or disruption to your business. Securing your Citrus Fruit Dealer Bond for Excise Taxes is quick and affordable with Surety Bond Authority.

Contact us to get your free quote and keep your citrus operations in full compliance with Florida law.