Yes, but a deflector shield is required.  Make sure you apply properly so the fertilizer does not end up on impervious surfaces such as driveways, sidewalks and streets or in waterbodies such as lakes, ponds, ditches and rivers.  Fertilizer that falls on impervious surfaces must be swept up and placed back on the lawn or in an appropriate container.  If you live along any waterbody or wetland, you are prohibited from using fertilizer within 15 feet of the shoreline.

Yes, you may use a fertilizer that contains nitrogen from October 1^st through May 31^st.  However, if you use a fertilizer that contains nitrogen, at least 65% or more of the total nitrogen must be slow-release.  No fertilizer with nitrogen or phosphorus can be applied during June 1^st through September 30^th (the restricted season); or if flood, tropical storm, or hurricane watches or warnings have been issued by the National Weather Service for Seminole County; or if heavy rain is expected (2” or more within 24 hours) in the area.  The optimal time to apply a long-term Controlled Release Fertilizer product is in early April (approximately April 1st - April 15th).

No. Fertilizer that contains phosphorus is prohibited throughout the year unless you obtain a soil test that indicates a phosphorus deficiency.  A soil test must be verified by a test approved by the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS).  If it can be verified that your soil lacks phosphorus, you may apply fertilizer containing phosphorus, but it must be formulated and applied in accordance with requirements and directions provided by Rule 5E-1.003, Florida Administrative Code (2015), concerning Labeling Requirements for Urban Turn Fertilizers, as this regulation may be amended from time to time.  To find out more about soil testing, contact the University of Florida/Seminole County Extension office at 407-665-5560. Most commercial fertilizers available today have very low or no phosphorus after the State adopted it current Urban Turf Rule. Utilizing Florida-friendly yard products that contain iron, potassium or other micronutrients may be used during the Restricted Season and can help to keep your lawn healthy and green.

No fertilizer with phosphorus or nitrogen can be applied during June 1st through September 30th (the restricted season); or if flood, tropical storm, or hurricane watches or warnings have been issued by the National Weather Services for Seminole County; or if heavy rain is expected (2" or more within 24 hours) in the area.

No, provided they are not within 15 feet of any waterbody or wetland.

The percentage of slow-release nitrogen is listed in the guaranteed analysis table on your fertilizer’s package. To find out if at least 65% of the nitrogen is slow-release nitrogen, divide the amount of slow-release nitrogen by the amount of total nitrogen (also listed in the guaranteed analysis table). Multiply your answer by 100.  If the result is 65% or higher, your fertilizer contains the required amount of slow-release nitrogen.  Click on our fertilizer calculator on our webpage to help you figure out if your fertilizer meets the requirements, along with showing you how much fertilizer your need to apply on your yard.

Example: Fertilizer labeled 29-0-4 Guaranteed analysis table lists 20% Total Nitrogen and 5.9% Slow-Release Nitrogen 5.9/29 = .2034 x 100 = 20.34% This means 20.34% of the nitrogen contained in this fertilizer is slow-release nitrogen. This fertilizer cannot be used because it contains less the 50% slow-release nitrogen.

Most fertilizers have three numbers on their label separated by dashes.  These three numbers show the percentages of nitrogen (N), phosphate (P₂O₅), and potash/potassium (K₂O) contained in the fertilizer.  A zero as the first number would mean that it contains no nitrogen.  A zero as the second number would mean that it contains no phosphate.  By law, all fertilizer must include a guaranteed analysis table on its label.  The first item listed in the table must be total nitrogen if there is nitrogen in the fertilizer.  The second item listed in the table must be phosphate if there is phosphate in the fertilizer.

The new regulations concerning nitrogen and phosphorus apply to the fertilizer you use in your business, but does not require you to obtain any additional certifications.  You must still obtain a limited certification for Urban Landscape Commercial Fertilizer Application from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) {required by Section 482.1562, Florida Statutes (2015)}.  These requirements went into effect on January 1, 2014.

Ask your lawn service or landscaper.  Licensed professionals should be able to show you exactly what they are putting on your yard, along with how much and what percentage of slow release nitrogen (SRN) they are using.  As of January 1, 2014, companies that apply fertilizer, are required to obtain a limited certification for Urban Landscape Commercial Fertilizer Application from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) {required by Section 482.1562, Florida Statutes (2015)}.  Applicators should be aware of local fertilizer ordinances and their restrictions.

The three numbers shown on fertilizer labels are the percentages of nitrogen (N), phosphate (P2O5), and potash (K2O), also referred to as potassium, contained in the fertilizer.

A fertilizer-free zone is an area where the application of fertilizer is prohibited any time.  All residents are prohibited from using fertilizer within 15 feet of any waterbody.  Residents, especially those living near waterbodies, are encouraged to plant native vegetation and practice Florida-friendly landscaping techniques to reduce or eliminate fertilizer use.  Visit our Florida Yards & Neighborhood Program to learn more at https://seminolecounty.sgssys.info/departments-services/parks-and-recreation/extension-services/adult-resources-enrichment/fyn-florida-yards-neighborhoods.

Slow-release nitrogen in a fertilizer means that the nitrogen is in a form that delays its availability for a plant to uptake and use or that is in a form that extends its availability for use by a plant.  Similar terms used to describe the form of nitrogen include “controlled release,” “timed release” and “slow available.”

Nitrogen, which helps with the development of chlorophyll, is what give plants their green foliage.  Phosphorus helps with bloom development.  Potassium aids with photosynthesis and controls the exchange of carbon dioxide.

Using too much fertilizer and applying it improperly are the biggest problems related to fertilizer and water quality.  Your grass can only absorb so much fertilizer, so any excess fertilizer runs off your lawn or soaks through the ground and finds its way into local waterbodies or groundwater.  It can also harm your lawn and landscaping by burning or wilting the plants.

The fertilizer restricted season is June 1^st through September 30^th of each year.  During this period, no fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorus can be applied.  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 recommend by the Florida Yards & Neighborhood/Florida Friendly Landscape Program).

Nitrogen and phosphorous are the two nutrients that are most problematic in waterbodies and are responsible for contributing to algae blooms and fish kills.  Fertilizers are labeled N-P-K (nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium). Make sure your fertilizer is in compliance with the ordinance.

The restricted season coincides with the summer rainy season.  From June 1^st – September 30^th the local weather is unpredictable and rainfall is very frequent, on average occurring nearly every day.  Due to saturated soil conditions and frequent rain, grass and other landscape plants do not have enough time to absorb the nutrients contained in fertilizer before it can be washed off of yards and into the nearest waterbody. This runoff and leaching into the groundwater from the yard contributes to algae blooms and fish kills.

A slow-release form reduces the nitrogen’s release rate, which reduces the chance of excessive nutrients getting into our water resources (groundwater, lakes, and rivers).  Slow-release forms also need fewer applications because they release the nitrogen slowly over longer periods of time.  Regular (quick-release) fertilizer is more likely to reach water resources as they release nitrogen very quickly and are more susceptible to runoff and leaching into groundwater.

The nutrients that runoff of our yards into our lakes and rivers act like food for the algae.  Reducing the nutrient runoff from fertilizers will also help reduce the amount and intensity of local algae blooms.

Yes, although fertilizers with a higher slower release nitrogen content typically cost a little more, they do not need to be applied as frequently, thereby potentially saving you money.  The County will also save taxpayer money.  It is much more cost effective to prevent nutrients from entering our waterways then it is to remove them once in our waterways with large capital projects.