At least the state workers in your story were initially polite -- I can't say the same for those that we've dealt with. When this canker reign of terror began, the first inspector mistakenly reported that we had a citrus tree (we never have). Since then, we've gotten regular visits from canker police, demanding to inspect our yard -- a few were respectful, but most were surly, intrusive and threatening. I would question the ability of some of them to even recognize a citrus tree.
The canker police were back last week, and I and my neighbor watched them from the window; they parked the truck, wandered up and down the block, rang no doorbells, wasted time, and then departed. I've decided they will no longer be allowed on our property. Without my permission, they would be risking a 140-pound fiercly protective dog behind an 7-foot fence, and your story, along with the behavior of these state employees, makes we wish one of them would only try.
The protection of the citrus industry is no excuse for menacing the property rights of Florida property owners -- long live Joaquin!