How to Register as a Tomato Handler or Repacker for the 2026-27 Season on floridatomatoes.org

Updated

Registration for the 2026-27 Florida tomato season is open, and the Florida Tomato Committee is accepting applications from Tomato Handlers, Repackers, and Certificate of Privilege holders. If you fall into one of those categories, go to the regulations section of floridatomatoes.org (https://www.floridatomatoes.org/regulations/) to find the information and application forms. The Committee states that applications will be processed in the last week of September through the first week of October, ahead of the season start on October 10, 2026.

Who needs to register

The registration announcement names three categories:

  • Tomato Handler — register if you handle tomatoes in the course of business covered by the Committee's regulations.
  • Repacker — register if you repack Florida tomatoes.
  • Certificate of Privilege holder — register if you hold or need a Certificate of Privilege.

If you are unsure which category applies to your operation, the regulations page is the place to check the definitions and requirements before you submit anything.

How to register

  1. Go to the regulations section of the site: https://www.floridatomatoes.org/regulations/
  2. Identify the application that matches your role — Handler, Repacker, and/or Certificate of Privilege holder.
  3. Complete and submit the application using the instructions provided there.

The site does not publish the application form contents or a separate online portal in the material available, so treat the regulations page as the authoritative entry point for forms and instructions.

Timeline to plan around

Milestone Date
Registration status Open
Applications processed Last week of September – first week of October
Season start October 10, 2026

Because processing happens in that late-September to early-October window, submitting earlier in the open period gives you room to resolve questions before the season begins.

Common sticking points

  • Wrong category. Handler, Repacker, and Certificate of Privilege are distinct; confirm which one fits your operation rather than defaulting to the first option.
  • Waiting until the processing window. Applications are handled just before the season starts, so a late submission leaves little margin if something needs correcting.
  • Looking for forms outside the regulations page. The Committee directs applicants to the regulations section for both information and applications — start there rather than searching elsewhere on the site.

For anything not covered on the regulations page, the site's Contact Us section is the next step.