Seasonal fertilizer ban in effect, May 15 through Oct. 31

With Miami-Dade County entering into the rainy season, the use of fertilizers containing nitrogen or phosphorus is prohibited from Monday, May 15 through Oct. 31. Applying fertilizer during the rainy season increases the chance that it will wash away into local bodies of water. Fertilizers contain nutrients that can be harmful to lakes, canals and especially Biscayne Bay. Excess nutrients from our urban watershed are affecting the health of Biscayne Bay, and has contributed to seagrass die-offs and algal blooms in the Bay.

Do your part to help protect Biscayne Bay by following the regulations set forth in the fertilizer ordinance.

This ordinance applies to fertilizer applicators and anyone who performs landscape management. It has specific rules for when, how much and where you can use fertilize; how grass clippings and vegetative matter are to be handled; and sets forth required training for local businesses. Make sure you know the rules and remain in compliance with the ordinance.

This ordinance was developed as part of a broad countywide effort to reduce nutrient contamination, in the form of excess nitrogen and phosphorous, in our urban watershed. Excess nutrients from fertilizer can enter our sensitive water resources like our Biscayne Bay, where they have contributed to seagrass die-offs, algae blooms and fish-kills.

Use the resources found in the marketing toolkit to help spread the word about the fertilizer ordinance.