§ 106-816.5.  Use of assessments; refunds.

(a) The Department shall remit all funds collected under this Article to the Association at least quarterly. The Association shall use the funds to promote the interests of the dairy industry. The Association shall use such funds for research and marketing related to dairy products and the dairy industry, including such administrative expenses as may be reasonably necessary to carry out this function.

(b) A dairy producer may request a refund of the assessment collected under this Article by requesting in writing a refund form from the Association. The Association shall determine the contents of the refund form. The Association shall provide the dairy producer with a refund form within one week of receiving the dairy producer's request. After receiving the refund form from the Association, the dairy producer shall complete the form and provide proof of payment of the assessment to the Association no earlier than December 15 and no later than December 31 of a calendar year. The Association shall mail a refund to the dairy producer within 120 days of receipt of a properly completed and documented refund form. (2023-63, s. 5.4(a).)