Fertilize Responsibly

No fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorus may be applied in Orange County from June 1 through September 30.

• Applying fertilizer with phosphorus is prohibited unless a soil test shows a phosphorus deficiency in that area.
• If fertilizer with nitrogen is used, at least 65% of the nitrogen must be slow-release type.
• No more than 1 pound of total nitrogen may be applied per 1,000 square feet of landscape.
• No lawn may receive more than 3 pounds of total nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of landscape.

• All areas of property covered by lawn, turf and landscape plants are subject to the fertilizer ordinance.
• Deflector shields must be in place when broadcast spreaders are used next to streets, inlets, ditches, conveyances and waterways.
• No fertilizer or grass clippings shall be deposited on streets, driveways or in storm drains.
• No fertilizer can be applied within 25 feet from waterways.
• Application sites should maintain a 10-foot low maintenance zone – planted area with no fertilizing, mowing or maintenance – adjacent to water bodies.
• No fertilizer shall be applied when the National Weather Service issues any advisory for severe thunderstorm, flood, tropical storm or hurricane.

Commercial Applicators

• Commercial applicators are required to take the Green Industries Best Management Practices (GI-BMP) training, and have a valid FDACS Limited Commercial Fertilizer Applicator Certificate.
• Proof of licensing must be provided to Orange County Tax Collector in order to obtain an Orange County local business tax certificate for businesses that provide landscape services.
• Applicators must show proof of compliance by displaying decals on vehicles used during application.
• Commercial applicators who need decals can contact fertilizer@ocfl.net with proof of licensing to have decals mailed to their business.

Institutional Applicators

• Institutional applicators (individuals who apply fertilizer as part of job duties) are required to have a valid Green Industries Best Management Practices (GI-BMP) Training Certificate.
• Applicators must show proof of compliance by displaying decals on vehicles used during application.
• Institutional applicators who need decals can contact fertilizer@ocfl.net with proof of training to have decals mailed to their business.

Read this before buying fertilizer.

• Retail businesses that sell fertilizer must display a notice provided by Orange County regarding the ordinance.
• Retailers who need posters can contact fertilizer@ocfl.net to have posters mailed to their business.

Any violations of this ordinance are subject to prosecution in accordance with Chapter 11, including monetary penalties.