Florida CBP Inspects 1 BILLION Valentine's Day Flowers for Pests!

Florida CBP is racing to inspect over a billion Valentine’s Day flowers, catching pests that could threaten U.S. agriculture. 🌐 #News #MiamiFL #Florida #ValentinesDay

MIAMI, FL – As Valentine’s Day approaches, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in Miami, Florida is on high alert, inspecting an overwhelming flood of floral shipments. With more than a billion stems arriving from South America, CBP is working around the clock to stop pests and plant diseases from sneaking into the country.

CBP’s Miami Field Office has become the epicenter of this high-stakes inspection process.

Each year, from mid-January to mid-February, they ramp up operations with extra agriculture specialists to handle the influx.

Miami alone processes 91% of all flower shipments arriving from South America. As of Feb. 7, CBP has already inspected over 1.1 billion cut flower shipments since the start of the year.

“In preparation for Valentine’s Day, CBP agriculture specialists diligently inspect over a billion stems of cut flowers each year to prevent the introduction of harmful pests and diseases into the United States,” Executive Director of Agriculture Programs and Trade Liaison (APTL) Kevin Harriger said in a statement.

“APTL supports these efforts by deploying personnel to the Miami port of entry during the peak cut flower import season. This collaboration ensures that CBP effectively facilitates trade while safeguarding our nation’s agriculture, highlighting the agency’s integral role in the supply chain.”

Billions of Flowers, Thousands of Threats

Last year, CBP agriculture specialists combed through over 385 million mixed bouquets, 76 million roses, and 75 million chrysanthemums.

This year’s inspections have already uncovered 1,158 shipments containing insects and pests—with 627 posing a serious risk of introducing diseases into the country’s agriculture.

Miami isn’t the only entry point for Valentine’s Day blooms. Flower lovers along the U.S.-Mexico border contribute to the traffic as well, with many purchasing bouquets in Mexico and transporting them across the border.

Travelers Warned About Prohibited Flowers

CBP is urging travelers to be aware of regulations when bringing flowers into the U.S.

“We encourage all travelers who plan to cross the border with Valentine’s-related flowers and goods to consult the CBP website to learn more about rules and regulations,” said CBP El Paso Director of Field Operations Hector Mancha.

“This is one of the busiest times of the year for flowers, and CBP agriculture specialists are working hard to prevent potentially harmful plant pests and foreign animal diseases from entering the U.S.”

When buying flowers in Mexico, travelers are advised to notify their florists to avoid banned items in their arrangements.

Restricted plants include all types of chrysanthemums (crisantemo), choisya, murraya (mock orange), cedar, and juniper. Fresh produce like mangoes, oranges, mandarins, and grapefruit are also prohibited for personal transport into the country.

With CBP’s intensive inspections in full swing, millions of bouquets will make it into the hands of loved ones—but not before they’re thoroughly checked to keep the nation’s agriculture safe.

RELATED TOPICS: Florida | Holidays | Texas | Travel | Valentine’s Day