IFAS Extension
Vegetable production remains a tremendous industry for Florida in terms of acreage and value. The 2024 value of production for major berries, spring potatoes, vegetable crops, and watermelons totaled $3.0 billion in Florida. Growing seasons are well defined by the peninsular geography, allowing Florida to serve as the main vegetable supplier to the United States during late fall, winter, and early spring months. Although more than 40 vegetable crops are commercially planted in the state, Florida ranks in the top three for production value of tomato, bell pepper, snap bean, squash, sweet corn, watermelon, cabbage, cucumber, and strawberry (Table 1).
Table 1. Vegetable production acreage and value in Florida.
|
Crop |
Planted Acres1 |
Value (million US$)1 |
US Rank2 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Tomato |
30,000 |
532.2 |
2 |
|
Strawberry |
17,000 |
714.4 |
2 |
|
Bell pepper |
11,500 |
136.8 |
2 |
|
Sweet corn |
45,000 |
187.6 |
1 |
|
Potato |
17,000 |
106.2 |
12 |
|
Snap bean |
33,000 |
95.3 |
1 |
|
Watermelon |
24,000 |
186.8 |
1 |
|
Squash |
8,000 |
57.8 |
2 |
|
Cabbage |
5,600 |
51.2 |
2 |
|
Cucumber |
17,200 |
61.1 |
1 |
|
Sources: 1 USDA-NASS. 2025. 2025 State Agricultural Overview—Florida. Quick Stats Database. 2 USDA-ERS. 2026. “Cash Receipts by Commodity, State Ranking, 2024, Nominal (Current Dollars).” Farm Income and Wealth Statistics. Last updated February 5, 2026. | |||
The objective of this publication is to provide updated information on crop cultivars, pesticide labels, and certain practices for vegetable production in Florida. Suggested practices are guidelines for growers to plan farm activities and are always subject to review using the latest scientific data available.
Web Links to Additional Information on Vegetable Production Topics
UF/IFAS Extension provides information through Ask IFAS/EDIS at https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/. Below is a partial list of Ask IFAS publications and other resources pertaining to vegetable production for further information beyond the Vegetable Production Handbook of Florida.
Vegetable Crop Production
Complete Vegetable Production Handbook: https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/CV292
FDACS/UF-IFAS Florida Farm to School Partnership: https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/farm_to_school
“Introduction to Organic Crop Production”: https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/CV118
“Row Covers for Commercial Vegetable Culture in Florida”: https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/CV201
“Value Added Agriculture: Is It Right for Me?”: https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FE638
Fertility and Irrigation
“Commercial Vegetable Fertilization Principles”: https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/CV009
“Controlled-Release and Slow-Release Fertilizers as Nutrient Management Tools”: https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/HS1255
“Cover Crop Benefits for South Florida Commercial Vegetable Producers”: https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ss461
“Drip Irrigation: The BMP Era—An Integrated Approach to Water and Fertilizer Management for Vegetables Grown with Plasticulture”: https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/HS172
“Soil and Fertilizer Management for Vegetable Production in Florida”: https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/CV101
Postharvest Quality and Handling Resources
Ask IFAS on Postharvest and Handling: https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/postharvest
Postharvest Technology: https://postharvest.ucdavis.edu/
UF/IFAS Postharvest Programs and Information: https://irrec.ifas.ufl.edu/postharvest/
Marketing and Regulatory Resources
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS): https://www.fdacs.gov/Divisions-Offices/Marketing-and-Development
FoodData Central Database: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/
National Agricultural Statistics Service: https://www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/Florida/index.php
National Organic Program: https://www.ams.usda.gov/about-ams/programs-offices/national-organic-program
U.S. Grade Standards for Fruits and Vegetables: https://www.ams.usda.gov/standards
Food Safety Resources
Ask IFAS on Food Safety: https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/food_safety
CDC: Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases: https://www.cdc.gov/ncezid/divisions-offices/about-dfwed.html
“The Food Safety Modernization Act and the FDA Facility Registration Program”: https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FS231
“Food Safety on the Farm: Good Agricultural Practices and Good Handling Practices—an Overview”: https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FS135
U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA): https://www.fda.gov/food/guidance-regulation-food-and-dietary-supplements/food-safety-modernization-act-fsma
Fumigation
“Maximizing the Efficacy of Soil Fumigant Applications for Raised-Bed Plasticulture Systems of Florida”: https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-hs1169-2010
Pesticide Safety
Ask IFAS on Pesticide Safety and Handling: https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/pesticide-safety
“Minimizing Honey Bee Exposure to Pesticides”: https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN1027
Pest Management
Ask IFAS on Florida Nematode Management: https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/nematode_management
Ask IFAS on Pest Management: https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/pest_management
Ask IFAS on Weed Management: https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/weed-management
