1. Lee County Fertilizer Ordinance No. 08-08

2. Why is there an ordinance? Protect the quality of our coastal waters Prevent excess nutrients from entering waterways through drainage and runoff Protect the quality of our coastal waters Prevent excess nutrients from entering waterways through drainage and runoff

3. Excess nutrients washed away into storm drains Nutrients promote growth of invasive weeds and algae Nitrogen and/or Phosphorous Fertilization Fertilizer spread in excess or onto paved areas near lawn

5. There is significant water quality and observational data indicating excess nutrients in watershed are causing water quality decline in Lee County for the last several years, due to many factors. There is significant water quality and observational data indicating excess nutrients in watershed are causing water quality decline in Lee County for the last several years, due to many factors. Federal & State regulatory pressure to improve WQ. Federal & State regulatory pressure to improve WQ. BOCC recognized need to take steps using a multifaceted approach. BOCC recognized need to take steps using a multifaceted approach. Ordinance vetted through public hearing process Ordinance vetted through public hearing process DNR partnered with the IFAS and the Tax Collector to educate and register professionals. DNR partnered with the IFAS and the Tax Collector to educate and register professionals. Existing staff resources have been allocated in DNR to conduct compliance and enforcement activities. DNR developed database to track activities. Existing staff resources have been allocated in DNR to conduct compliance and enforcement activities. DNR developed database to track activities. There is significant water quality and observational data indicating excess nutrients in watershed are causing water quality decline in Lee County for the last several years, due to many factors. There is significant water quality and observational data indicating excess nutrients in watershed are causing water quality decline in Lee County for the last several years, due to many factors. Federal & State regulatory pressure to improve WQ. Federal & State regulatory pressure to improve WQ. BOCC recognized need to take steps using a multifaceted approach. BOCC recognized need to take steps using a multifaceted approach. Ordinance vetted through public hearing process Ordinance vetted through public hearing process DNR partnered with the IFAS and the Tax Collector to educate and register professionals. DNR partnered with the IFAS and the Tax Collector to educate and register professionals. Existing staff resources have been allocated in DNR to conduct compliance and enforcement activities. DNR developed database to track activities. Existing staff resources have been allocated in DNR to conduct compliance and enforcement activities. DNR developed database to track activities. A Regulator’s Perspective

6. What does the ordinance do? Regulates landscape maintenance practices Sets rules for using fertilizers that contain Nitrogen or Phosphorous Requires registration and training of professional and institutional landscapers Regulates landscape maintenance practices Sets rules for using fertilizers that contain Nitrogen or Phosphorous Requires registration and training of professional and institutional landscapers

7. Who is covered by the ordinance? PERSONALPROFESSIONAL EXEMPTIONS Agriculture Golf Courses Specialized Turf

8. Professional Certification Commercial landscapers required to take six-hour class for certification

9. Requirements Fertilizers containing Nitrogen and Phosphorous prohibited during rainy season, restricted during rest of the year N/P

10. Requirements Fertilizers containing Nitrogen and Phosphorous prohibited during rainy season, restricted during rest of the year N/P

11. Requirements 10 ft Fertilizer use is also prohibited within 10 feet of a water body, seawall or wetland

12. Deflectors required on fertilizer spreaders Requirements

13. Blow or sweep excess fertilizer back onto lawn

14. Alternatives to Turf Lawns Can save you time, energy and money Classes offered by local extension service Can save you time, energy and money Classes offered by local extension service (239) 533-4327

16. www.fertilizesmart.com