The Department of Citrus is asking lawmakers to set aside nearly $3.9 million next year to refurbish two state-owned buildings on its Bartow campus that have sat empty for years because they are not safe or accessible for use.
According to the agency’s 2026-27 budget request, the buildings — located adjacent to the Department’s headquarters — violate the Florida Building Code and fall short of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. The second floors of the facilities are inaccessible because the stairwells are out of compliance, and there is no elevator or lift. Restrooms also fail to meet ADA requirements.
“The buildings are state-owned properties with significant life/safety deficiencies which prevent use of much-needed office, meeting, and storage space,” the Department wrote in its appropriations request.
The request totals just under $3.86 million in general revenue funds and is part of the agency’s five-year capital improvements plan submitted to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Office of Policy and Budget this month. Officials said the project has been deferred in recent years because of funding constraints.
The Department of Citrus is responsible for marketing and research tied to the state’s iconic citrus industry, which has faced steep challenges in recent decades. Citrus greening disease, hurricanes, and rising production costs have devastated yields, leaving growers and the industry fighting to recover. At its peak, Florida produced more than 200 million boxes of oranges annually; recent harvests have fallen to levels not seen since before World War II.
Restoring the unused buildings can provide additional workspace for staff, meetings and storage as the Department works to stabilize and promote the struggling citrus industry.
The funding request will be considered as part of the 2026 Legislative Session, when lawmakers craft the state budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
Last year’s budget included around $140 million for citrus growers in the state.
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