Marco Fertilizer Ban Starts June 1

The City of Marco Island approved its own Fertilizer Ordinance on May 7, 2016 and according to the City’s website, Section 18-64(e) – Fertilizer Regulations: “No applicator shall apply fertilizers containing nitrogen or phosphorous to turf and/or landscape plants during the rainy season, (June 1-September 30) and to saturated soil or when a weather event is predicted that will include heavy rainfall. According to the Conservancy of SW Florida, “these events allow fertilizers to be picked up in stormwater runoff or leach more quickly into groundwaters.

You will also notice that retail businesses within the City selling fertilizer have posted notices near their fertilizer shelves notifying customers of the fertilizer ordinance and summer restriction.

Notice to Professional Landscapers and Residents

The Fertilizer Ordinance also governs the registration of professional landscapers on the island. According to the City’s Website, there are 64 landscapers who have current, valid registration, and the list is available under “Lawn and Landscape Professionals Registered with Marco Island.” Residents – please make sure your Landscape Service is registered with the City!

It is a violation of City code Sec. 8-73 to provide any lawn and landscaping maintenance and services in the city without first being certified and registered with the city as a lawn and landscape professional, except as provided in this Section 8-72. 

If in doubt about your landscaper, check the City Website to make sure their name is on the registered list. In addition, the City website states: “Any person (including a business entity) performing lawn or landscaping maintenance work in the city must possess minimum qualifications and competency that will assist in strengthening and promoting public awareness of the need to engage in certain lawn and landscape maintenance activities and therefore mitigate long-term and immediate adverse impacts from stormwater run-off into natural water bodies located in and adjacent to the city.”

In order to register with the City of Marco Island, landscapers need to take the Green Industries Best Management Practice (GI-BMP) course, which is offered by the University of Florida. Upon successful completion, landscapers may receive the Limited Commercial Fertilizer Applicator Certification (LCFAC) from the State. The LCFAC certification is valid for a four-year period from the date of issuance, in accordance with the State regulations for fertilizer applicators.

The Marco Island Police Department Code Enforcement strictly enforces the Professional Landscape Fertilizer registration and compliance process by making sure that the city-issued lawn and landscape professionals decals are current and prominently displayed on the vehicles.