The invasive mite Phyllocoptes fructiphilus Keifer (Acari: Eriophyidae) feeds on plants in the genus Rosa. Phyllocoptes fructiphilus is associated with the rose rosette emaravirus (rose rosette virus) and acts as the only known vector of rose rosette virus, the causal agent of rose rosette disease (Emaravirus). The mite P. fructiphilus is reported for the first time in the state of Florida, USA. No roses showed signs or symptoms of viral infection, and current molecular methods were unable to detect the virus. Phyllocoptes fructiphilus represents a potential threat to the Florida rose industry if rose rosette disease becomes established.