242616FB_ORD_2007-062.pdf

This document is Ordinance No. 2007-062, an official county regulation issued by the Board of County Commissioners of Sarasota County, Florida, specifically focusing on the Fertilizer and Landscape Management Code. The ordinance regulates the use of fertilizers within Sarasota County, establishing comprehensive rules for commercial and institutional fertilizer applicators, including a restricted application season (June 1st through September 30th), specific fertilizer content and application rate limitations, and requirements for training and licensing of applicators. The ordinance aims to minimize nutrient leaching and runoff that can contribute to water pollution, algae growth, and environmental degradation in local waterways, stormwater systems, and coastal areas.

The ordinance includes several key environmental protection provisions, such as prohibiting fertilizer application within ten feet of water bodies, requiring spread deflector shields during application, mandating the use of slow-release nitrogen sources, and establishing low maintenance zones adjacent to water courses. Commercial and institutional applicators must obtain certification through a Sarasota County-approved Best Management Practices training program and comply with specific application guidelines. Enforcement mechanisms include potential civil penalties up to $500 per violation, with code enforcement officers authorized to issue warnings, citations, and require corrective actions. The ordinance became effective immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State, with a 180-day implementation period to allow entities to become familiar with and comply with the new regulations.