Lawn Maintenance Registration & Fertilizer Ordinance

On March 7, 2016, City Council adopted a Fertilizer Ordinance and an amendment to the Business Ordinance which governs the registration of professional landscapers on the Island.  The new ordinance limits the amount of fertilizer that can be applied to a property in one year and also puts limits on the time of year and the type of fertilizer that can be applied.

The main rules governing fertilizer application:

• Do not apply fertilizer during the rainy season (June 1 – September 30) or when a weather event is predicted that will include heavy rainfall.
• Do not apply fertilizer to impervious surfaces (concrete, asphalt, pavers, etc.) or within 10 feet of a watercourse, lake, wetland or storm drain.  Always use a spreader deflector shield when fertilizing.
• Do not apply phosphorus fertilizer unless a soil test has determined there is a deficiency of phosphorus.
• Fertilizers must contain no less than 50% slow release nitrogen.
• Fertilizer may only be applied four times per year and no more than four pounds of nitrogen may be applied per 1000 square feet per year.

Quick facts for professional landscapers applying fertilizer:

• All professional landscapers applying fertilizer on the Island need to register with the City.
• In order to register with Marco Island, landscapers need to take the Green Industries Best Management Practice (GI-BMP) course, which is offered by the University of Florida.  Upon successful completion, landscapers may receive the Limited Commercial Fertilizer Applicator Certification (LCFAC) from the State.
• The LCFAC certification is valid for a four year period from the date of issuance, in accordance with the State regulations for fertilizer applicators.
• Anyone intending to apply fertilizer on Marco Island must complete a Fertilizer Permit Application (found below) and submit it one (1) business day prior to fertilization to: gmhelp@cityofmarcoisland.com.  The permit is FREE.
• For landscaping businesses, please submit the Fertilizer Permit Application and attach a list of all the properties receiving fertilizer per business day.

To register your landscape business with the City, please complete and submit the Professional Lawn, Landscape Maintenance, & Fertilizer Registration Application | City of Marco Island Florida.