Florida Block Grant Disaster Relief Questions Answered

Florida Citrus Mutual (FCM) recently compiled a question-and-answer (Q&A) document about the 2026 Florida Block Grant Disaster Relief program. The document has answers from grant administrators to citrus grower questions. It covers eligibility, production loss thresholds, base-year considerations and more.

Some key points from the document include:

• This block grant differs from the previous program in part because it is administered through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), rather than the Florida Division of Emergency Management. Payment amounts also differ from the previous program.
• The production loss threshold to qualify has been lowered to 10%, compared to 20% in the previous program.
• Producers have some flexibility in utilizing either crop-year or calendar-year production losses. There is also some flexibility in determining the base year. FDACS will review the documentation provided and work with growers to determine the most optimal approach for the grower while still abiding by the USDA block grant requirements.
• There is no acreage cap for citrus under this program.
• Growers are no longer required to submit tax returns and may instead provide alternative documentation as outlined on the application website. However, tax returns are preferred and can lead to more efficient reviews of applications.
• Growers are required to maintain crop insurance for the next available two reinsurance years, either 2026 and 2027 crop years or 2027 and 2028 crop years. Tree insurance is not required.
• While final USDA guidance is pending, it is expected that young trees coming into production will be treated similarly to the prior block grant program.
• Growers are strongly encouraged to apply even if they are uncertain that they qualify.
• Growers with questions or concerns should work directly with their assigned case managers for personalized assistance. Growers who have not applied or been assigned a case manager can contact the Florida Block Grant Disaster Relief Program Customer Service Center at 850-688-1220.

See the full Q&A document here.

Source: FCM