Lee CountyFertilizer Ordinance

No. 08-08

Why is there an ordinance?

Protect the quality of our coastal watersPrevent excess nutrients from entering waterways through drainage and runoff

Protect the quality of our coastal watersPrevent excess nutrients from entering waterways through drainage and runoff

Excess nutrients washed away into

storm drains

Nutrients promote growth of invasive weeds and algae

Nitrogen and/or Phosphorous Fertilization

Fertilizer spread in excess or onto paved

areas near lawn

• There is significant water quality and observational data indicating excess nutrients in There is significant water quality and observational data indicating excess nutrients in watershed are causing water quality decline in Lee County for the last several years, due to watershed are causing water quality decline in Lee County for the last several years, due to many factors.many factors.

• Federal & State regulatory pressure to improve WQ.Federal & State regulatory pressure to improve WQ.

• BOCC recognized BOCC recognized need to takeneed to take steps using a steps using a multifaceted approachmultifaceted approach..

• Ordinance vetted through public hearing processOrdinance vetted through public hearing process

• DNR partnered with the IFAS and the Tax Collector to educate and register professionals.DNR partnered with the IFAS and the Tax Collector to educate and register professionals.

• Existing staff resources have been allocated in DNR to conduct compliance and Existing staff resources have been allocated in DNR to conduct compliance and enforcement activities. DNR developed database to track activities. enforcement activities. DNR developed database to track activities.

• There is significant water quality and observational data indicating excess nutrients in There is significant water quality and observational data indicating excess nutrients in watershed are causing water quality decline in Lee County for the last several years, due to watershed are causing water quality decline in Lee County for the last several years, due to many factors.many factors.

• Federal & State regulatory pressure to improve WQ.Federal & State regulatory pressure to improve WQ.

• BOCC recognized BOCC recognized need to takeneed to take steps using a steps using a multifaceted approachmultifaceted approach..

• Ordinance vetted through public hearing processOrdinance vetted through public hearing process

• DNR partnered with the IFAS and the Tax Collector to educate and register professionals.DNR partnered with the IFAS and the Tax Collector to educate and register professionals.

• Existing staff resources have been allocated in DNR to conduct compliance and Existing staff resources have been allocated in DNR to conduct compliance and enforcement activities. DNR developed database to track activities. enforcement activities. DNR developed database to track activities.

A Regulator’s Perspective

What does the ordinance do?

Regulates landscape maintenance practicesSets rules for using fertilizers that contain Nitrogen or PhosphorousRequires registration and training of professional and institutional landscapers

Regulates landscape maintenance practicesSets rules for using fertilizers that contain Nitrogen or PhosphorousRequires registration and training of professional and institutional landscapers

Who is covered by the ordinance?

PERSONAL PROFESSIONAL

EXEMPTIONSAgriculture

Golf CoursesSpecialized Turf

Professional Certification

Commercial landscapers required to take six-hour class for certification

Commercial landscapers required to take six-hour class for certification

Requirements

Fertilizers containing

Nitrogen and Phosphorous

prohibited during rainy

season, restricted

during rest of the year

N/PN/P

N/PN/P N/PN/P N/PN/P

Requirements

Fertilizers containing

Nitrogen and Phosphorous

prohibited during rainy

season, restricted

during rest of the year

N/PN/P

N/PN/P N/PN/P N/PN/P

Requirements

10 ft10 ft

Fertilizer use is also prohibited within 10 feet of a water body, seawall or wetland

Deflectors required on fertilizer spreaders

Requirements

Requirements

Blow or sweep excess fertilizer back onto lawn

Alternatives to Turf Lawns

Can save you time, energy and moneyClasses offered by local extension service

(239) 533-4327

www.fertilizesmart.com