FL H0421

Beginning January 1, 2014, any person applying commercial fertilizer to an urban landscape must be certified under section 482.1562, Florida Statutes.

Certified persons must follow best management practices for commercial fertilizer application to urban landscapes as established by the Department of Environmental Protection.

Certified persons are exempt from prohibited application period bans within local government ordinances that address fertilization of urban turfs, lawns, and landscapes.

The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services shall provide certification status information to other local and state governmental agencies and is encouraged to create an online database listing all certified persons.

The department has enforcement authority over certified persons and may adopt rules to administer this section, with all penalties, fines, and administrative actions consistent with chapter 482.