Fertilizer Regulations

The Florida-friendly fertilizer use on urban landscapes ordinance was adopted in April 2021.

Fertilizer is an important tool that is used in the agricultural industry and to support the production of food. Fertilizers are also used on lawns and landscaping on residential and commercial properties throughout our urban landscape. However, fertilizers contain nutrients that can be harmful to aquatic and marine systems such as lakes, canals and especially Biscayne Bay. Excess nutrients from our urban watershed including fertilizers impact the health of Biscayne Bay, and nutrient pollution has contributed to seagrass die-offs and algal blooms in the Bay. This ordinance was developed to reduce the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus entering our sensitive water resources and to improve the health of Biscayne Bay.

You can do your part to help protect Biscayne Bay by following these important steps to reduce excess nutrients and avoid improper or overuse of fertilizers. The fertilizer ordinance uses the following general guidelines, but you should always check for specific requirements and details. Additional details on specific regulations are provided below.

The use of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer is prohibited during the summer rainy season, May 15 - Oct. 31, when nutrients are more likely to be carried in water flowing off the urban landscape
Application of fertilizer near surface water bodies such as canals, wetlands, lakes or the Bay is prohibited
Do not use phosphorus containing fertilizer unless a soil test determines that it is actually needed
Limit the amount of nitrogen you apply at any one time or during the year
Manage yard clippings to prevent them from affecting streets, sidewalks, stormwater drainage systems or water bodies
If you apply fertilizers as part of your job, get trained on the best management practices that help protect water resources.

These regulations apply throughout Miami-Dade County including within municipalities. Check the laws within your municipality for additional restrictions.

The County’s fertilizer regulations do not apply to bona fide farm operations, livestock grazing pastures, use on food gardens, golf courses or certain athletic fields.

Contact the Department of Regulatory & Economic Resources Division of Environmental Resources Management (DERM) with questions about this ordinance by emailing [email protected].

- No fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorus may be applied in Miami-Dade County from May 15 through October 31
- These regulations provide exemptions for vegetable and community gardens, athletic fields, bona fide farm operations and certain golf courses and parks.
- Application rates and amounts of nitrogen are restricted under these regulations. Refer to the ordinance for details.
- Application of fertilizer containing phosphorus is prohibited unless a deficiency has been shown through a soil test.
- The use of fertilizer is never allowed in “fertilizer-free zones,” which are within 20 feet of the top of the bank of any water body (including ponds, lakes, canals or streams), stormwater drain, Biscayne Bay, wetlands, the top of a seawall.
- Grass clippings and vegetable debris should not be deposited on sidewalks, stormwater drains water bodies, or roadways
- Spreader deflector shields must be in place when fertilizing near impervious surfaces, fertilizer-free zones and water bodies including wetlands
- Fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorus may not be applied within 20 feet of the top of the bank of any waterbody, stormwater drain, Biscayne Bay, wetlands or saturated soil
- No fertilizers containing nitrogen or phosphorous may be applied during severe weather event advisories or forecasted periods of heavy rains; before seeding or sodding a site; or for the first 60 days after seeding or sodding.
- Commercial applicators must show evidence of certification by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services by July 31, 2021
- Proof of training must be provided in order to obtain a Miami-Dade County Local Business Tax Certificate
- Golf courses, parks and athletic fields must test soil and submit results to DERM.
A quarterly report of fertilizer use must be recorded beginning with the start date of your Agricultural Waste Annual Operating Permit and submitted by the 15th of the following month of each quarter, including periods of inactivity at the facility. The electronic reporting form is provided in the link below:
- Agricultural Waste Operating Report Form (AWORF)
- Commercial and institutional fertilizer applicators must undergo training by July 31, 2021
- Commercial applicators must be certified in best management practices by July 31, 2021
- Homeowners are encouraged to follow the recommendations of the University of Florida IFAS Florida Yards and Neighborhoods program.

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