What Are the Leading Crops in Florida?

Citrus

• Florida is synonymous with citrus farming. Lemons, oranges, grapefruits, tangelos and tangerines are grown throughout the Sunshine State. According to the University of Florida Extension Service, Florida is the world's leading producer of grapefruit, second only to Brazil in the production of oranges, and in regards to the United States, Florida produces 80 percent of our citrus crop.

Tomatoes and Peppers

• The Institution of Food and Agricultural Service of the University of Florida states that Florida is the nation's second largest producer of tomatoes. Various types of tomatoes are grown in the state. Big boy, roma, heirloom and beefcake tomatoes are common varieties of tomatoes. Florida is also a major producer of bell peppers, producing 40 percent of America's bell peppers. In Florida, both tomatoes and bell peppers are grown in both farmland and in greenhouses/hot houses, thus providing the nation with supplies all year. Other main peppers grown in Florida include: jalapenos, Serrano, habenero and chipotle peppers.

Sod

• Surprisingly, a major crop of Florida is sod. Florida, due to its ideal climate for mass crop production and flat farmland has become a leading producer for turf production in the southeast. Contractors stemming from Alabama to South Carolina call on Florida for large shipments of sod squares. St. Augustine grass is one of the most common grasses in Florida and is used for both commercial and residential landscape. Bermuda, zoysia and centipede grass all are crop grasses from Florida.

Blueberries

• Blueberries are a major crop for Florida. Blueberries are new inductees to the pantheon of crops produced in Florida. However, though newer, becoming a major crop in 2007, Florida produced 7.8 million lbs. of blueberries. From April 1 through May 20 each year, Florida is the leading producer of blueberries in the Northern Hemisphere.

Additional Crops

• Other important crops for Florida include cucumbers, sugarcane, snap beans and watermelons. Florida provides 39 percent of the U.S.' cucumbers, 52 percent of snap beans, 51 percent of sugarcane and 29 percent of watermelons.