The Great Freeze of 1894-1895 was a devastating event that profoundly impacted the entire Florida citrus industry. This severe cold snap was two separate occurrences: one in late December and the other early January. They brought temperatures well below freezing throughout the entire state, into the high teens in Central Florida.

The first freeze in December killed the fruit and foliage. However, it did not kill the trees. Before the second freeze, some of the leaves had started to return. That second, even more brutal freeze killed the vulnerable trees to the roots: a complete loss.

The freeze caused widespread damage to citrus orchards, as the delicate trees could not withstand the extreme cold. Many growers lost their entire crops, and some were forced to abandon their farms. Many returned north. The economic impact of the Great Freeze was immense, and it took years for the citrus industry to recover.