The Charlotte County Fertilizer Ordinance was written in 2008 to allow for maintaining healthy landscapes while still keeping our water  clean.  The Ordinance was amended in 2011 with two important changes.  As we approach the rainy season here in Charlotte County, please keep in mind that as per the County Fertilizer Ordinance No. 2011-017 http://charlotte.ifas.ufl.edu/horticulture/fertilizer/Ord%202011-017%20Fertilizer%20Regulations%20Amendment.pdf no fertilizer containing Nitrogen or Phosphorus may be applied from June 1^st to September 30^th to turf or landscape plants.  This period of time is known as the “Restricted Season”.  Additionally, there is now a limit as to how much Nitrogen can be applied per year.  This limit is now no more than 4 pounds of actual Nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per year total. 

Please also familiarize yourself with our website on the Fertilizer Ordinance and how you can maintain your yard as a Florida-Friendly Landscape™ and keep our water resources clean at http://charlotte.ifas.ufl.edu/horticulture/hort-fertilizer1.htm. 

This Ordinance applies to both homeowners and those who apply fertilizer commercially within unincorporated Charlotte County.

For more information, please contact the Charlotte County Extension  Office at 764-4340.

On June 14, 2011, Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners approved Ordinance No. 2011-017 regulating the use of fertilizers containing nitrogen and/or phosphorous on Charlotte County lawns.  It establishes Best Management Practices (BMP’s) for both residential and commercial turf fertilizer application.  The ordinance will enable Charlotte County to protect our water resources from nutrient pollution, while enabling residents to maintain beautiful and healthy lawns. 

The new ordinance requires fertilizer contain at least 50% slow-release
nitrogen.  For a full list of the ordinance’s stipulations, download the
official ordinance brochure.

All commercial fertilizer applicators MUST receive
training and certification in Best Management Practices
from Charlotte County Extension Service. 
Click below for more information.

• Charlotte County Ordinance No. 2011-017
   
• Official Fertilizer Ordinance Brochure
   
• FYN Handbook: A Guide to Florida-Friendly Landscaping
   
• UF/IFAS Extension: BMPs - The Future of Florida Agriculture
   
• FDACS Urban Turf Fertilizer Rule
   
• Urban Turf Fertilizer Rule for Home Lawn Fertilization
   
• Your Florida Lawn: Residential Landscapes
   
• Florida Green Industries: Best Management Practices for Protection of Water Resources in Florida
   
• FAQs about Landscape Irrigation for Florida-Friendly Landscaping Ordinances
   
• FAQs about Landscape Fertilization for Florida-Friendly Landscaping Ordinances
   
• FAQs about Florida-Friendly Landscaping
   

• Lee County's Ordinance
   
• Sarasota County's Ordinance
   
• City of North Port's Ordinance
   
• City of Sarasota's Ordinance