Pinellas County's Fertilizer Ban: What You Need to Know

Effective January 1, 2023, Pinellas County has implemented a new fertilizer ordinance to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus pollution in local waterways.

Why is Fertilizer a Problem?

• Nitrogen and phosphorus are essential nutrients for plants, but excessive amounts can cause algal blooms and other water quality problems.
• Algal blooms can lead to fish kills, reduce dissolved oxygen levels, and create harmful toxins.
• Water quality problems can impact human health, recreational activities, and the local economy.

What are the New Fertilizer Restrictions?

The Pinellas County fertilizer ordinance includes the following restrictions:

• No fertilizer may be applied from June 1 to September 30.
• Fertilizer containing nitrogen and phosphorus may not be applied within 10 feet of water bodies.
• Fertilizer containing nitrogen may only be applied at a rate of 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per application.
• Fertilizer containing phosphorus may only be applied at a rate of 0.5 pounds of phosphorus per 1,000 square feet per application.

How Does the Ban Affect Me?

The fertilizer ban applies to all property owners in Pinellas County, including:

• Homeowners
• Businesses
• Landscapers
• Golf courses

If you violate the fertilizer ordinance, you may be subject to fines.

What Can I Do to Comply with the Ban?

There are several things you can do to comply with the new fertilizer ordinance:

• Use slow-release fertilizers. Slow-release fertilizers release nutrients over a longer period of time, reducing the risk of runoff.
• Fertilize only when necessary. Test your soil to determine if your lawn needs fertilizer.
• Follow the recommended fertilizer rates. Do not over-fertilize your lawn.
• Keep fertilizer out of water bodies. Do not apply fertilizer within 10 feet of water bodies.

Tips and Tricks

• Use compost or manure. Compost and manure are organic fertilizers that are less likely to pollute waterways.
• Plant native plants. Native plants are adapted to local soils and require less fertilizer.
• Water your lawn deeply and infrequently. This will help the roots grow deep and make the lawn less dependent on fertilizer.

How to Step-by-Step Approach

1. Test your soil. This will help you determine if your lawn needs fertilizer.
2. Choose a slow-release fertilizer. This will reduce the risk of runoff.
3. Follow the recommended fertilizer rates. Do not over-fertilize your lawn.
4. Keep fertilizer out of water bodies. Do not apply fertilizer within 10 feet of water bodies.
5. Water your lawn deeply and infrequently. This will help the roots grow deep and make the lawn less dependent on fertilizer.

Benefits of the Fertilizer Ban

The Pinellas County fertilizer ban is expected to provide several benefits, including:

• Improved water quality. The ban will help to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus pollution in local waterways, which will lead to fewer algal blooms and other water quality problems.
• Protected human health. Water quality problems can impact human health, and the fertilizer ban will help to protect residents from these risks.
• Enhanced recreational opportunities. Improved water quality will make local waterways more enjoyable for swimming, fishing, and other recreational activities.
• Increased property values. Water quality is a key factor in property values, and the fertilizer ban will help to protect property values in Pinellas County.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Pinellas County implementing a fertilizer ban?

A: Pinellas County is implementing a fertilizer ban to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus pollution in local waterways.

Q: When does the fertilizer ban go into effect?

A: The fertilizer ban goes into effect on January 1, 2023.

Q: What are the restrictions on fertilizer use under the new ordinance?

A: Under the new ordinance, fertilizer may not be applied from June 1 to September 30, fertilizer containing nitrogen and phosphorus may not be applied within 10 feet of water bodies, fertilizer containing nitrogen may only be applied at a rate of 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per application, and fertilizer containing phosphorus may only be applied at a rate of 0.5 pounds of phosphorus per 1,000 square feet per application.

Q: What are the penalties for violating the fertilizer ban?

A: Violations of the fertilizer ban may result in fines.

Q: What can I do to comply with the fertilizer ban?

A: To comply with the fertilizer ban, you can use slow-release fertilizers, fertilize only when necessary, follow the recommended fertilizer rates, keep fertilizer out of water bodies, and water your lawn deeply and infrequently.

Conclusion

The Pinellas County fertilizer ban is a necessary step to protect water quality and human health. By following the new restrictions, you can help to make Pinellas County a more beautiful and sustainable place to live.

Additional Information

• Pinellas County Fertilizer Ordinance
• FAQs about the Pinellas County Fertilizer Ban
• Tips for Complying with the Pinellas County Fertilizer Ban