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

May 3, 2024 — Regulatory and Economic Resources

As Miami-Dade County enters the rainy season, the use of fertilizers containing nitrogen and phosphorus is prohibited from May 15 through Oct. 31. Fertilizers applied during our intense rainy season have the potential to wash away into our surface waters through storm drains, canals, or direct discharges, reducing the benefit to lawns of costly fertilizer applications. Fertilizers contain nutrients that can be harmful to the ecosystems found in our waterways, especially Biscayne Bay. Excess nutrients pollution from our urban watershed is affecting the health of Biscayne Bay and has contributed to seagrass die-offs, algal blooms and fish kills in the Bay.

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

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

The fertilizer ordinance applies to commercial and residential fertilizer applicators and anyone who performs landscape management. The ordinance contains specific rules for when, how much and where you can use fertilizers; proper management of grass clippings and vegetative debris; 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 pollution, in the form of excess nitrogen and phosphorous, in our urban watershed. Excess nutrients from fertilizer can enter our sensitive water resources like Biscayne Bay, where they have contributed to seagrass die-offs, algal blooms fish-kills.

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