Many Florida counties enforce a fertilizer blackout, a designated period, often during the rainy season, when the use of fertilizers containing nitrogen and/or phosphorus is strictly prohibited. These fertilizer bans are designed to protect Florida’s waterways and coastal ecosystems.
During the rainy season, heavy afternoon storms can quickly wash granular fertilizers off your lawn and into storm drains, which ultimately flow into the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic Ocean. This fertilizer runoff can cause serious environmental problems, including red tide algal blooms and the creation of dead zones in marine habitats.
If you live in a Florida county with a fertilizer blackout, it’s important to follow local regulations and avoid applying nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizers during restricted periods. This helps prevent nutrient pollution and supports the health of Florida’s unique aquatic ecosystems.
Here is a list of the counties in Florida that have fertilizer blackouts:
| County | Blackout Dates | *City specific |
| Alachua | July 1 - February 28 | |
| Brevard | June 1 - September 30 | |
| Broward* | June 1 - September 30 | *Fort Lauderdale |
| Charlotte | June 1 - September 30 | |
| Citrus | November 1 - March 31st | |
| Collier* | June 1 - September 30 | *Naples & Marco Island |
| Hernando |
December 15- March 15 June 1 - September 30 |
|
| Hillsborough | June 1- September 30 | |
| Indian River | June 1 - September 30 | |
| Lake | June 1 - September 30 | |
| Lee | June 1 - September 30 | |
| Leon | Temperatures under 40º | |
| Manatee | June 1 - September 30 | |
| Martin | June 1 - September 30 | |
| Miami-Dade | May 15 - October 31 | |
| Monroe | May 15- October 31 | |
| Orange | June 1 - September 30 | |
| Palm Beach* |
June 1 - September 30 *North Palm Beach: June 1 - October 31 |
*North Palm Beach, Juno Beach, Jupiter, Palm Beach, Tequesta |
| Pinellas | June 1 - September 30 | |
| Sarasota | June 1 - September 30 | |
| Seminole | June 1 - September 30 | |
| St. Lucie | June 1 - September 30 | |
| Volusia | June 1 - September 30 |
The good news is that even during Florida’s fertilizer blackout period, you can still maintain a healthy, green lawn with the right strategies. Discover expert tips, alternative lawn care products, and a proven summer maintenance schedule in our free Florida Blackout Guide. This comprehensive resource will help you keep your lawn thriving and looking its best, even when fertilizer use is restricted. Download the Florida Blackout Guide now and stay ahead in your neighborhood’s lawn game!
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