(Brooksville, FL) – On May 23, 2023, at the Hernando County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting, the BOCC voted to revise the current fertilizer ordinance. It was approved to amend Chapter 28, which is the regulation of use of fertilizers containing nitrogen and/or phosphorus, to implement regulations to minimize negative environmental effects caused by misuse of fertilizers.
The amendments to the ordinance include the following:
- The use of urban turf fertilizers containing nitrogen is prohibited from December 15th through March 15th and from June 1st through September 30th.
- Commercial applicators are no longer exempt from the prohibitions and time frames regarding applying urban turf fertilizers containing nitrogen.
- Fertilizers cannot be applied within 25 feet of adjacent wetlands or surface waters.
- Commercial businesses that sell fertilizers are required to post county-provided signage stating the restrictions during the prohibited time frames.
Homeowners and commercial applicators are encouraged to utilize summer-friendly lawn enrichment products from June through September. This could include foliage sprays containing iron for a “green-up” treatment. Applications of potassium, magnesium, and compost products, such as Comand, can also be utilized.
Obtaining a soil analysis can help with evaluating the soil’s needs. To download a copy of the Soil Testing Lab brochure, visit https://soilslab.ifas.ufl.edu/pdfs/SoilLabBrochure.pdf. More information about soil tests can be found at UF/IFAS Extension at Hernando County by calling 352-754-4433.