Florida Friendly Fertilizer Initiative

Miami Dade County adopted a Florida friendly fertilizer use ordinance in April 2021 to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus pollution entering Biscayne Bay. Runoff from fertilizers contributes to nutrient pollution that has caused seagrass die offs and algal blooms. Miami Lakes is within the County and must comply with Chapter 18C of the Code. The ordinance and County outreach program therefore apply to residents, landscapers, businesses and municipal facilities within the Town.

Why Fertilizer Management Matters

• Protecting Our Lakes, Canals & Biscayne Bay: Fertilizers contain nitrogen and phosphorus that can wash into lakes and canals, harming marine life and causing algal blooms.
• Saving money & lawns: Applying fertilizer during summer rain wastes money because nutrients wash away and can burn grass. Using slow release products and applying them only when turf is actively growing protects lawns and the environment.
• Compliance: Miami Dade County law prohibits the use of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers during the rainy season (May 15 – Oct. 31) and restricts application rates, locations and fertilizer content. Violations carry civil penalties (up to $500 for commercial/institutional applicators and $50 for others). Municipal code inspectors are authorized to issue notices.

Overview of the Ordinance & Best Practices

Restricted period (May 15 – Oct. 31): No nitrogen or phosphorus containing fertilizer may be applied to turf or landscape plants during the summer rainy season. Exemptions exist for vegetable/community gardens, bona fide farms, certain athletic fields and golf courses.

Application restrictions outside the restricted period:

• Do not fertilize when flood, tropical storm or hurricane watches/warnings are issued or when more than 2 inches of rain is forecast within 24 hours.
• Do not fertilize before seeding or sodding, or during the first 60 days after installation.
• Do not apply on saturated soil or dead/inactive turf.

Fertilizer free zones:

Never apply fertilizer within 20 ft of water bodies, storm drains, canals, wetlands or the top of a seawall; saturated soil and dead turf are also off limits. Property owners are encouraged to create 10 ft low maintenance zones planted with drought tolerant vegetation to reduce the need for fertilizer and watering.

Nitrogen limits & fertilizer composition:

• Annual cap: No more than 4 lbs. of nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft. per year may be applied.
• Single application limits: No more than 1 lb. of nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft. for solid fertilizer and ½ lb. of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft for liquid fertilizer.
• Slow release requirement: Granular fertilizers must contain at least 65 % slow release nitrogen.

Phosphorus prohibition:

Fertilizers containing phosphorus may not be applied unless a soil analysis from a State certified lab shows a deficiency. The amount applied may not exceed 0.25 lb. per 1,000 sq ft to correct the deficiency.

Residential & commercial use guidelines:

Grass clippings and vegetative debris must not be deposited on sidewalks, roads or water bodies. When fertilizing near impervious surfaces or water bodies, applicators must use spreader deflector shields and avoid overspray. Never fertilize during severe weather advisories, before seeding/sodding, or for 60 days thereafter. Homeowners should follow University of Florida’s Florida Yards & Neighborhoods program recommendations.

Commercial applicators:

Must carry evidence of certification by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and complete the six hour “Florida Friendly Best Management Practices for Protection of Water Resources” training. Certification is required to obtain or renew a local business tax certificate. Golf courses, parks and athletic fields must submit nutrient soil tests to DERM.

Enforcement & penalties:

Chapter 18C violations are enforceable via Chapter 8CC. Code inspectors may issue civil violation notices. The civil penalty is $500 per violation for commercial or institutional applicators and $50 for other violators. Miami Dade County’s Department of Regulatory & Economic Resources (DERM) oversees compliance and can be contacted at DERM@miamidade.gov.