Alachua County is reminding residents that the countywide seasonal landscape fertilizer ban took effect on July 1 and will remain in place through Feb. 28, 2027.
Under the Alachua County Fertilizer Ordinance, the application of landscape fertilizers containing nitrogen or phosphorus is prohibited during the ban period. County officials say the restriction helps protect local waterways and groundwater by reducing nutrient runoff during the rainy season and cooler months, when fertilizers are less likely to be absorbed by plants.
The ordinance is part of ongoing efforts to prevent harmful algae blooms and support water quality improvements required under Florida’s Basin Management Action Plan.
Key provisions of the ordinance include:
- Fertilizers containing nitrogen or phosphorus may not be applied from July 1 through Feb. 28.
- The seasonal ban does not apply to vegetable gardens and fruit trees.
- Phosphorus fertilizer is prohibited year-round unless a soil or tissue test confirms a deficiency.
- Fertilizer may not be applied when soils are saturated, before heavy rainfall or within 30 days of seeding or sodding.
- Fertilizer must not be applied within 10 feet of a waterbody, or within 3 feet when a deflector shield is used.
- Fertilizer spilled on sidewalks, driveways or streets must be immediately cleaned up and may not be washed into storm drains.
“Fertilizer applied during the rainy season and the cooler months is often not absorbed by plants and instead washes into our waterways,” said Senior Environmental Specialist Luke Sekula in the press release. “By following these guidelines, residents can play a direct role in protecting Alachua County’s natural resources.”
County officials noted that many landscapes can remain healthy without routine fertilizer applications and encouraged residents to join the approximately 68% of Alachua County households that have eliminated fertilizer use altogether.
Residents can learn more about the fertilizer ordinance, best management practices and the Fertilizer-Free Yard Pledge through Alachua County environmental programs.
For more information, contact Sekula at 352-264-6822 or lsekula@alachuacounty.us.