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The official state Christmas tree is now on display in the Governor’s Office.

Florida’s Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Bronson delivered Christmas trees to the governor and other cabinet members today. The trees were donated by the Florida Christmas Tree Association. Association member Toney Harris grew the trees and said real trees are better than fake ones.

“A fake tree doesn’t smell at all. Have you every smelled one? You’ve got to have the smell of Christmas at your house. That’s what you need. A live tree helps keep a lot of people employed and makes for better Christmas all around as far as I’m concerned,” said Tony Harris, owner of Ergle Christmas Tree Farm.

Commissioner Bronson used the occasion to warn Floridians about holiday scams.

“If you’re going to give money to charity make sure it’s a legitimate charity; don’t get taken advantage of. If you’re going to buy pets for family members and others, make sure the story you’re buying from is reputable and you have the health certificates and those types of things and know the pet lemon law,” said Bronson.

Inspectors from the commissioner’s office are checking out pet stores statewide to make sure the animals they sell are healthy and meet the state requirements.