Fertilizer Ordinance

Back in the 1990s, as the southwest Florida population grew, it became apparent that local water bodies and waterways were being impacted — and impaired — by nutrient pollution. So, in the late 2000s several local governments began implementing ordinances that prohibited the application of lawn fertilizer during the rainy season, which generally speaking runs from June first through September or so. We learn about Lee County’s ordinance, and the importance of complying with these rules to benefit our waters and ecosystems.

Lee County officials are surveying residents to see if they know that fertilizing residential lawns may cause potential water quality problems, this is on first day after ban ended

Residential fertilizer use is put on hold throughout the summer months since rain showers make it more likely nitrogen and phosphorus will be washed into nearby water bodies.

Environmental and smart growth planning advocates are expressing concern over laws passed in Florida’s 2023 legislative session concerning citizens’ ability to challenge proposed changes to a local government’s comprehensive plan and pre-emption of local fertilizer restrictions. We hear details from Jane West of 1,000 Friends of Florida.