Fertilizer Use
Stormwater runoff is a major source of pollution flowing into our natural waterbodies. Seminole County Board of County Commissioners approved a Fertilizer Ordinance, effective February 28, 2017, that regulates fertilizers containing nitrogen and/or phosphorous and provides specific management guidelines for fertilizer application in order to minimize negative impacts to our natural waterbodies.
The City of Altamonte Springs has adopted the ordinance, which residents are required to follow. Rules include:
- Fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorous cannot be applied to turf during the restricted season from June 1 to September 30.
- Fertilizers containing iron, manganese and other micronutrients (also referred to as "summer blends") can be applied during the restricted season to keep lawns healthy and green (as recommended by Florida Yards Neighborhood/Florida Friendly Landscape Program).
- Fertilizer containing nitrogen that is used during the non-restricted season (October 1 to May 31) must contain 65% or more slow-release nitrogen (as of March 1, 2020).
- Fertilizer containing phosphorus cannot be applied to turf or plants unless a state certified soil or tissue test verifies there is a phosphorus deficiency. For more information about soil and tissue testing, contact your local UF/IFAS Extension office at (407) 665-5560. Learn more about Soil and Tissue Testing requirements.
- Use of deflector shields is required when applying fertilizer with a broadcast or rotary spreader.
- No fertilizer may be applied within 15 feet of any pond, lake, stream, canal or other waterbody, including wetlands.