The Manatee County Fertilizer Ordinance

Help us prevent algal blooms, fish kills and poor water quality in our lakes, streams, rivers and bays. Manatee County has adopted a residential fertilizer ordinance to reduce the potential for nutrient-laden runoff to our aquatic environment. Three groups have responsibilities under the adopted ordinance: 1) Residents and businesses who self-apply fertilizers; 2) Fertilizer retailers; and 3) Landscape maintenance professionals. Information for each group is below.

The Manatee County fertilizer ordinance does not affect fertilizer applications on properties under the Right-to-Farm Act, vegetable gardens or athletic fields (including golf courses).

Information for Residents and Businesses

Image Information for Residents and Businesses

Residents and businesses that apply their own landscape fertilizer are only responsible for applying the correct fertilizer formulation at the right time of the year. The Manatee County Fertilizer Ordinance restricts the use of the following products on residential urban landscapes:

 

  • Granular fertilizer products with less than 50% slow-release nitrogen.
  • Nitrogen or phosphorus containing products between June 1 and September 30th.
  • Phosphorus applications without a soil test indicating a phosphorous deficiency.

There are many fertilizer products already on store shelves that meet ordinance formulation requirements. A list of these is available at the link, below.  Your retailer may also stock other alternatives. If you have any questions about selecting an appropriate product for your situation, consult the Manatee County Extension Service. Contact details are available through the link we've provided.

 

Prior to the effective date of the Manatee County ordinance on June 2nd, 2012, residents and businesses are encouraged to follow the environmentally-friendly landscape management principles taught by the Manatee County Extension Service. The program developed by the Southwest Florida Water Management District is also recommended. Links to both of these are provided below.

 

If you hire landscape services, please be aware that certification requirements for all landscape professionals working in Manatee County will go into effect on June 1st, 2012 for all personnel applying fertilizers and December 1st, 2012 for all personnel maintaining lawns. Credentials are awarded to the individual, not the company, so everybody maintaining your landscape for hire must be certified. Both an ID card and a vehicle decal are issued to certified individuals.

 

Resident Resources

Information for Fertilizer Retailers

Image Information for Fertilizer Retailers

The Manatee County Fertilizer Ordinance is aimed at residential and commercial lawns and landscapes. It does not restrict the retail sale of fertilizers or fertilizer-containing products of any kind.

 

Restrictions on fertilizer applications to residential and commercial landscapes may affect your decisions as to the types and amounts of product that your order and stock. Phosphorus-containing fertilizers are generally prohibited, as are fertilizers with less than 50% slow-release nitrogen. Applications of nitrogen and phosphorus containing fertilizers during the summer (June 1st through September 30th) are also prohibited.

 

Many products comply with Manatee County's and other regional fertilizer ordinances. The list at the link below is not exhaustive. New, compliant products are continuously arriving on the market. Consult your suppliers for more options.

Retailer Resources

Information for Landscape Maintenance Professionals

Image Information for Landscape Maintenance Professionals

All commercial fertilizer applicators in Manatee County must individually obtain a "Limited Certification for Urban Landscape Commercial Fertilizer" license by June 1st, 2012.This license is issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). This is the same license that will be required by all commercial fertilizer applicators throughout Florida by January 1st, 2014. Successful completion of a Green Industry Best Management Practices (GI-BMP) training course offered by the University of Florida/Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is a requirement of this license. See the links below for training schedules, locations, forms and procedures for licensure. Classes are held state-wide, and Spanish language classes are available.

 

All other landscape maintenance professionals in Manatee County that DO NOT apply fertilizer (other than clerical or administrative staff) must individually obtain a Landscape Certification from the Manatee County Extension Service by December 1st, 2012. This certification is awarded after successful completion of Landscape Best Management Practices (Landscape BMP) training from the Manatee County Extension Service. See the links below for training schedules, locations, forms and procedures for certification. Spanish language classes are available.

 

Manatee County will issue vehicle decals to individuals obtaining either level of certification. Vehicle decals must be prominently displayed during the workday. Manatee County decals issued to individuals completing a GI-BMP class and holding a "Limited Certification for Urban Landscape Commercial Fertilizer" license will be recognized in Manatee, Sarasota, Pinellas and Hillsborough County, and vice-versa. Since decals are issued to individuals, not companies, they may be mounted for display in the windshield or on a magnetic sign.

Maintenance Professional Resources