AUTHORITY TO PROHIBIT PLANTING OF CITRUS AND REQUIRE PARTICIPATION IN SUPPRESSION PROGRAM

(a) The commissioner may adopt reasonable rules regarding areas where citrus may not be planted in a pest management zone if there is reason to believe planting will jeopardize the success of the program or present a hazard to public health or safety. (b) The commissioner may adopt rules requiring all growers of citrus in a pest management zone to participate in a pest suppression program and growers of commercial citrus to participate in pest and disease management programs that include cost sharing as required by the rules. (c) Notice of a prohibition or requirement shall be given by publication for one day each week for three successive weeks in a newspaper having general circulation in the affected area. (d) The commissioner may adopt a reasonable schedule of penalty fees to be assessed against growers in a designated pest management zone who do not meet the requirements of the rules issued by the commissioner relating to reporting of acreage and participation in cost sharing. A penalty fee may not exceed $50 per acre.