Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Adam Putnam COMMISSIONER GI-BMP/LCFAC Program Overview

The limited certificate for an urban landscape commercial fertilizer applicator is valid for a four year period from the date of issuance. Prior to renewal, a limited commercial fertilizer applicator will need to complete 4 classroom hours of acceptable continuing education, of which, at least 2hours address fertilizer best-management practices. There are several programs already approved for this purpose and the Department expects more programs to be approved for this training as the deadline draws nearer.

Memo 897 and 909

ALL individuals/employees making a commercial fertilizer application to urban landscapes are NOW required to possess the Limited Certification for Urban Landscape Commercial Fertilizer Applicators.

There is NO exception for persons who possess Chapter 482 employee identification cards. Every person, making ANY TYPE OF fertilizer application for hire, must possess this limited certificate and carry it on their person.

Persons who are employed by, or are employees of golf courses, who are making fertilizer applications are NOT required to obtain the Limited Certification for Urban Landscape Commercial Fertilizer Applicators. Golf courses have their own fertilizer BMPs to adhere to.

Also, commercial fertilizer applications made to groves, nurseries, row crops, sod production and other agricultural areas do NOT need to obtain the Limited Fertilizer Certificate.

GIBMP Training (required to obtain the certificate) can now be obtained: In person - at most county extension offices; On-Line – which covers the same topics as the classroom training, but allowing you to complete the training on your computer, at your own pace; or Using DVD Training - DVD training can be used by individual students, or as a tool for facilitated group training. This link ( provides information from the University of Florida IFAS Extension on how to register for training programs, train on-line or ordering the DVD to obtain the necessary training.

Using DVD Training - DVD training can be used by individual students, or as a tool for facilitated group training. This link ( provides information from the University of Florida IFAS Extension on how to register for training programs, train on-line or ordering the DVD to obtain the necessary training.

To obtain the limited certificate, EACH applicant can apply online at this URL: and following the on-screen instructions. This method will verify your training certificate electronically; accept credit card payment; and issue the certificate with minimal delay.

Applicants may also submit to the department a completed form, “Application for Limited Certification for Urban Landscape Commercial Fertilizer, DACS (Rev. 08/09)”,with the application fee of $25.00, and submit a copy of their certificate showing that they completed the Green Industries Best Management Practices (GIBMP) training. This link: will download a copy of the form for you.

The limited certificate for an urban landscape commercial fertilizer applicator is valid for a four year period from the date of issuance. Prior to renewal, a limited commercial fertilizer applicator will need to complete 4 classroom hours of acceptable continuing education, of which, at least 2 hours address fertilizer best- management practices. There are several programs already approved for this purpose and the Department expects more programs to be approved for this training.

NOTE: For certified operators – For the year when the LF renewal occurs, the Department WILL accept attendance at a 2 hour CEU core category program for both their certificate renewal and LF renewal. The operator WILL have to attach/provide a copy of the core training to both renewal applications. For technicians – As technician training is NOT approved by the Department, it cannot count toward the 2 hour CEU core requirement. Therefore, technicians WILL have to take an approved 2 hour CEU core category course and an approved 2 hour CEU LF training course prior to their renewal.

The GI - BMP Team State Office C.J. Bain Jennifer Marvin Claire Lewis Nicole Casuso Pedro Ylisastigui Regional Coordination Claudia McLeroy Hector Rivera Misty Snyder

Partners FDEP BMP FDACS BMP GI BMP

Strategic Framework Super Issues Adoption of FFL Principles - industry to client Promotion of environmental awareness and responsible urban landscape practices. GI-Professionals adopt science-based statewide BMPs Opportunity for information and continuing guidance on proper turfgrass and landscape management

High-priority Initiatives  Minimize environmental and financial costs of maintaining a healthy and attractive landscape  Technicians in the field must understand their role in protecting water resources  Continue lifelong learning opportunities and support for continuing education opportunities. Strategic Framework

Key Strategies Support state and local laws requiring GI-BMP training services Use the latest research-based education Direct educational guidance to professional service providers and other interested parties

Measuring the Objectives Indicators Industry Benchmarks Attendance Knowledge Gain Adoption of BMPs and Conveyance to Clients DACS Inspector Observations (future)

Industry Benchmarks Employment* Title Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation 2,1302,8903,070 3,280 Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers 76,88073,09069,040 70,540 Grounds Maintenance Workers, All Other ,030 1,140 programs/occupational-employment-statistics-and-wages *Estimates are based on Standard Occupational Classification Codes.

English Attendance Year Total Certified Total Attended Classes Ave Class Size Participation Growth% # Classes Growth % ,364 1, %182% ,058 2, %52% ,483 4, %64% ,364 3, %27% ,934 3, %7% ,012 3, %5% ,031 2, TOTAL 18,530 21,

Spanish Attendance Year Total Certified Total AttendedClasses Ave Class Size Participation Growth% # Classes Growth % %60% %63% %115% %0% %-11% TOTAL 1,881 2,

Which of the following best describes the company you work for: Pest Control Operation4,14726% Lawn Care Company7,80448% Mowing Service2,89218% Irrigation Company1,68210% Landscape Design2,16813% Municipality2,07313% Golf Course/Sports Turf1,0236% Sod Farm1291% Other2,44315% Classes: 766 Respondents: 15,981 Target Audience

My knowledge of the Green Industries BMPs and how they will affect the lawn care industry has increased because of this program. YesNo 15, %1% Increased Awareness Classes: 766 Respondents: 15,901

I will use the recommended fertilization rates and methods of application as presented in the BMP manual. I willI will notNot SureAlready Do 12, ,163 79%1% 20% Consider Adopting at Least One BMP Classes: 766 Respondents: 15,995

I will inform my clients of the recommendations contained in the BMP manual that apply to their situation. I willI will notNot SureAlready Do 13, ,332 83%1% 15% Transfer of Knowledge Classes: 766 Respondents: 15,771

Follow - up Survey

Other Efforts Press Releases (4 Approved Articles) PSA (DACS) Logo Creation (Bumper Sticker, Patch) Contact Card (QR Code) New CEU Category Competency Criteria Bridged FFL Database with FDACS Compiling Local Ordinances Revised Test Bank DVD training (English)

Spanish Audience Online and DVD Batch Upload Pre-Registration

Certified Instructors GI-BMP Certified Instructors as of 9/20/2013 CategoryTotalActiveInactive IFAS/Ext Industry FDEP/NERR1073 Other

-impact/2013/2013ROI.web.pdf

How does Enforcement of the LCFAC work? A Field Advisory Notice will be issued for the following: Not having your Limited Fertilizer Certificate.

Questions?????