Polk Times

Congressman Scott Franklin has expressed support for the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) proposed rule to revise the Brix standard for not-from-concentrate pasteurized orange juice. The change would lower the required minimum sugar content from 10.5% to 10%, a move expected to help Florida’s citrus industry.

“I’m thrilled to see the FDA support Florida citrus growers by revising the outdated Brix standard,” said Congressman Franklin. “This is a major win for Florida’s iconic industry and a direct result of bipartisan efforts to cut red tape. Updating this long‑standing regulation will give growers needed flexibility to survive and thrive in the face of devastating storms, citrus greening and unfair foreign competition.”

Matt Joyner, CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual, commented on the proposal: “This proposal is an important step forward for Florida’s citrus growers and reflects years of hard work by our industry to push for this change. We appreciate Congressman Franklin’s leadership and support, which will give growers more flexibility to address citrus greening, recover from severe weather and keep Florida citrus competitive in the marketplace.”

The federal Brix standard sets a minimum sugar or solids content that orange juice must meet if it is sold as “not-from-concentrate.” Under current rules, oranges with less than 10.5% Brix cannot be used for premium juice products, even though they are safe and flavorful. This has forced many crops into lower-value markets, affecting grower profits and increasing reliance on imported fruit.

Franklin added: “The FDA’s action reflects what we have been saying all along. Bureaucratic hurdles should not stand in the way of Florida’s comeback. Adjusting the Brix standard preserves product quality, expands the use of domestic fruit and helps keep costs down for families without changing what they expect in their orange juice.”

The proposed rule follows several years of advocacy led by Franklin alongside others in Congress and within the state’s citrus industry. In March 2023, Franklin introduced legislation with Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz directing the FDA to lower the Brix requirement; this bill was reintroduced in February 2025 with backing from all members of Florida's congressional delegation.

Florida Citrus Mutual and Florida Citrus Processors Association also filed a citizen petition in 2022 requesting that FDA lower the minimum Brix level.

The FDA will open a 90-day public comment period before finalizing any changes. Franklin said he would continue working with local growers and partners until implementation is complete.

Scott Franklin currently represents Florida's 18th district in Congress after replacing Ross Spano in 2021 (https://franklin.house.gov/about). He previously served in the Florida House of Representatives (https://franklin.house.gov/about). Born in Thomaston, Georgia in 1964, Franklin now lives in Lakeland at age 58 (https://franklin.house.gov/about). He graduated from United States Naval Academy with a BA in 1986 and later earned another degree from Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University (https://franklin.house.gov/about).