Florida Friendly Fertilizer Use Ordinance

The Indian River Lagoon is experiencing nutrient pollution, caused by fertilizer and other nitrogen sources. Fertilizer enters the Indian River Lagoon and our other waterways via stormwater runoff, by vaporizing and raining back down as atmospheric deposition, and by leaching into the groundwater which makes it way to the Lagoon.

We are working with many stakeholders to develop solutions to get our lagoon to a healthier state. On January 14, 2014, the Titusville City Council adopted Ordinance 36-2013 establishing regulations on fertilizer applications within the City.

To help the Lagoon, it is important that everyone uses fertilizer only at the right time, use only what you need, use slow-release nitrogen, don’t use phosphate-containing fertilizer and don’t fertilizer during the rainy season.

Understand Your Fertilizer Ordinance

June 1 Through September 30

Black-Out Period: Do not use fertilizer containing phosphate or nitrogen between June 1 through September 30 if a flood, tropical storm, or hurricane watches or warnings have been issued by the National Weather Services for Titusville or if heavy rain is expected in the Titusville area (2 inches in a 24 hour period).

October 1 Through May 31

1. No Phosphate Fertilizer: Only use "No Phosphate Fertilizer" unless a plant test shows that there is a phosphorus deficiency.
2. 50% Slow Release Nitrogen Only: Only use fertilizer that contains at least 50% slow-release nitrogen.
   How do I know if my fertilizer contains 50% slow-release nitrogen?
   The percentage of slow-release nitrogen is listed in the guaranteed analysis table on the fertilizer bag. To find out if the fertilizer at least 50% slow release:
   • Divide the amount of slow-release nitrogen by the amount of total nitrogen.
   • Multiple your answer by 100.
   • If the release is 50 (%) or higher, your fertilizer contains the required amount of slow-release nitrogen
   • The three numbers that are shown on your fertilizer’s label are the percentages of nitrogen (N), phosphate (P2O5), and potash (K2O) contained in the fertilizer.
3. Fertilizer Free Zones
   • Fertilizer may not be applied within ten feet of any water body such as ponds, streams, lakes, canals, or wetlands or within ten feet from the top of a seawall.
   • Fertilizer may not be applied within twenty (25) feet of the shoreline of the Indian River Lagoon.
   • If new turf/grass or landscape plants are planted within ten foot of any water body or from top of a seawall, the area may be fertilized in this Zone only for a sixty (60) day period beginning 30 days after planting if need to allow the plants to become well established. Please use caution to prevent direct deposition of fertilizer into the water.
   • The City encourages planting of native vegetation that does not require mowing or fertilization along the shoreline of the Indian River Lagoon.
4. Application Practices
   • Deflector Shields are required when using broadcast spreaders.
   • Application to impervious areas is prohibited and must be removed if deposited to such areas.
   • Fertilizer may not be blown or washed into stormwater drains or water bodies
5. Grass Clippings and Vegetative Matter
   • Grass clippings, vegetative material or vegetative debris cannot be washed, blown or swept into stormwater drains, ditches, conveyances, water bodies, wetlands, sidewalks, or roadways
6. Licensing for Commercial Applicators
   • Commercial and Institutional Fertilizer Applicators must complete the six-hour training program in "Florida-friendly Best Management Practices for Protection of Water Resources by the Green Industries"
   • Commercial Applicators must provide proof of completing the training class prior to application for a Business License
   • Commercial applicators must carry certifications issued by the Florida Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services (FDACS)
   • Institutional Applicators must show proof of training
7. Golf Courses and Athletic Fields
   • All golf courses must assure that landscaping is done within the provisions of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection document "Best Management Practices for the Enhancement of Environmental Quality on Florida Golf Courses".
   • For all other specialized turf areas, fertilizer shall be applied in accordance with the concepts and principles embodied in the Florida Green Industry Best Management Practices, while maintaining the health and function of their specialized turf areas.

Learn More

If you would like to learn more about you can have a healthy lawn and protect the Lagoon, sign up for a workshop with the University of Florida’s "My Brevard Yard" program by visiting "My Brevard Yard" or call the Brevard Extension Service at 321-633-1702, ext. 222.

To learn more about Titusville’s fertilizer requirements, contact the Natural Resources Division at 321-567-3778. To obtain a copy of the ordinance, click on the link below.

Ordinance Number 36-2013

For a copy of the Ordinance Number 36-2013, please contact the planner of the day at 321-567-3782.