Pinellas County Watershed Management: Water Quality
Fertilizer Ordinance and Stormwater Regulations - Useful links
Please go to www.pinellascounty.org/environment/watershed/fertilizer for more detail information.
Pinellas County waters are experiencing a decline in water quality due to excess nitrogen and phosphorous. This prompts concerns about our marine life, our lakes and beaches, and our economy. Pinellas County is committed to addressing water quality issues on every front from Tampa Bay to our own back yards. Local governments spend millions of dollars each year to remove nitrogen from water bodies through various stormwater treatment methods. Fertilizer and grass clippings are sources of nutrients that can be controlled with your help!
In January 2010 the Pinellas County Commission approved an ordinance regulating landscape practices and the sale and use of fertilizers containing nitrogen or phosphorus.
Fertilizer Ordinance - Summary of Fertilizer Ordinance
Fertilizer is less of a problem when it’s used properly. If we use too much fertilizer or apply it at the wrong time it can easily leach into the groundwater, wash into storm drains, and flow into bays or streams. Just like in our gardens, fertilizer in bays and streams makes plants grow. In water bodies, too much nitrogen or phosphorous can cause harmful algae blooms that lower oxygen levels, turn the water a green or rust color, and lead to fish kills.
Residents' Stormwater Regulations Links:
A Guide for Homeowners- Preventing Urban Runoff Pollution
Calculate Your Fertilizer Use
Resident Do-It-Yourselfers
Guide to Fertilizer Ordinance Brochure En español
Florida Yards and Neighborhoods - Fertilize Properly
List of County Certified Fertilizer Applicators and Landscapers.
Industry Retailers:
June 2011 Summer-Safe Products for Pinellas County
Ordinance Compliant Products
Information for Retailers & Landscape Management Professionals
Please print one of these notices and post with your fertilizer items.
Flyers: 8.5" x 11", 5" x 7", 5.5" x 8.5"
Fertilizer poster: 26 x 23 - 8.5 x 11
Commercial Landscape Professionals:
BMPs for Landscaping Companies
FAQs for Professional Landscapers
Three steps to obtain fertilizer vehicle decal
Affidavit for vehicle decal-fertilizer applicators
Training:
Training Requirements
Green Industry BMP: Do you apply fertilizers? You need the 8 hr. class by January 19, 2011. (state-certified)
Training on line download manual
Train in a classroom - sign up here
Landscape Maintenance BMPs - Do you only mow, prune, edge, plant, or use a blower? You need the 2 hr. class by July 18, 2011. (county-certified)
Train in a classroom - sign up here
In House Training Program - Come to Class - Get a CD
Study Guide for Landscape Maintenance Class - English
Study Guide for Landscape Maintenance Class - Spanish