Miami-Dade County promotes Fertilizer Awareness Week, educates on fertilizer restrictions

With rainy season almost upon us, Miami-Dade County is promoting Fertilizer Awareness Week May 6-10, to educate residents and businesses on the annual fertilizer use restrictions that begin on May 15. Rainy season typically produces seven to nine inches of monthly rainfall that can cause fertilizer runoff into our stormwater systems, canals, and our groundwater, which ultimately ends up in the Biscayne Bay watershed. In 2021, the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners approved a Fertilizer Ordinance that prohibits the use of fertilizers containing nitrogen and phosphorus on turf and landscape plants in residential and commercial areas from May 15 to October 31, to reduce harmful nutrients from polluting the waters of Biscayne Bay.

“Skipping the use of fertilizers during the rainy season is a small but important step we can all take to safeguard our waterways, like our precious Biscayne Bay and other ecosystems,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “As stewards of our environment, we must work together to protect and preserve nature's delicate balance for future generations.”

A 2023 Biscayne Bay Economic Study revealed the combined economic impact of Biscayne Bay-related activities is an astonishing $64 billion in economic output. Whether you live or work in a waterfront community or the westernmost suburbs of Miami-Dade County, the actions of residents and businesses influence the watershed, and can have a positive or negative effect on the health of our shared water resources and Biscayne Bay.

“The County’s Fertilizer Ordinance has been instrumental in fortifying our community resilience, reducing nutrient pollution, and enhancing the health of our waterways,” said Commissioner Eileen Higgins, prime sponsor of the ordinance. “As we prepare for the rainy season, let's unite for Fertilizer Awareness Week and pledge to refrain from fertilizer use, safeguarding the Bay for the future and ensuring a healthier environment for generations ahead."

Fertilizers containing nitrogen and phosphorus have been identified as a contributing factor to the nutrient pollution in Biscayne Bay. Nutrient pollution promotes algal blooms that can block the sunlight necessary for seagrass growth and lead to low levels of dissolved oxygen in our bay waters. Low levels of dissolved oxygen have contributed to fish kills over the past couple of years.

Miami-Dade County’s Fertilizer Ordinance is one part of a multifaceted approach to improving the health of Biscayne Bay. A thriving bay is vital to the health of our community and economy.

Residents can look for signs providing information on the restrictive period at local retailers or by visiting Miami-Dade’s Fertilizer Ordinance page.