Collier County's Fertilizer and Urban Landscaping Ordinance

To reduce the risk of fertilizer runoff contributing to nutrient pollution in county waters, "The Collier County Fertilizer and Urban Landscaping Ordinance" was originally adopted on July 26, 2011 and updated on July 9, 2019 with more stringent requirements.

What is Required?

DO sweep or blow fertilizer and grass clippings from sidewalks, streets and seawalls back into the grass.
DO follow the label, "the label is the law."
DO use fertilizer with 50% slow-release, or water-insoluble, nitrogen content.
DO consider nutrients from reclaimed water before fertilizing.
- Please contact Ave Maria Utility Company for nutrient output if you receive reclaimed water from their facility.
DO measure your yard then use this local fertilizer calculator to determine how much fertilizer is needed.
- Application rate varies by turf type and season per Rule 5E-1.003 F.A.C.
DO check that your fertilizer applicator has their Commercial Fertilizer Applicator certificate on hand when fertilizing.
DON’T fertilize if the soil is wet or before a rainstorm.
DON’T apply a fertilizer that contains phosphorus without a soil test (Test B on linked form) showing a deficiency.
- more information about the soil test and results
DON’T apply fertilizer within 10 feet of a waterbody or wetland.

Who Does this Affect?

This ordinance is for all residents within unincorporated Collier County. If you live within the City of Naples or City of Marco Island, please see their websites for city-specific regulations or check out the comparison charts below.

Homeowners

Fertilization
- Do you hire a contractor?
  - If choosing to hire a landscaper, select a company that uses employees who are Green Industries Best Management Practices (GI-BMP) certified.
  - If your company applies fertilizer, the person actively applying fertilizer must have their Commercial Fertilizer Applicator license/certification on hand.
- Are you a do-it-yourself type of person?
  - Measure the amount of fertilizer needed based on how big your yard is. Please feel free to call us at 239-252-2502 or use this local fertilizer calculator to determine how much fertilizer is needed.
  - Check out this website for Florida-Friendly Fertilizing Tips from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Services (UF IFAS).
  - Attend a Florida-Friendly Landscaping^TM class, call Collier County's UF IFAS Office at 239-252-4800
Florida-Friendly Landscaping^TM has tips for making a Florida-Friendly yard
The Florida Yards and Neighborhood Handbook gives in-depth resources for landscaping

Commercial Applicators

Licensing
- Green Industries Best Management (GI-BMP) training opportunities
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Limited Commercial Fertilizer Applicator
Professional Resources
- Project Greenscape Contact Information

Who to Contact

For general questions, please contact Pollution Control
- pollution_control@colliercountyfl.gov
- (239) 252-2502
To report a violation of the fertilizer ordinance, please contact Code Enforcement (239) 252-2440

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