Fertilizer Application Ban In Hillsborough Starts Soon

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — Hillsborough County Environmental Services reminds residents that the fertilizer application ban starts June 1 and ends Sept. 30.

The fertilizer ordinance, which the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners approved in November 2021, does not allow the application of fertilizer that contains nitrogen or phosphorous on turfgrass or landscape plants from June 1-Sept. 30, which intends to minimize the negative impacts to the region’s natural water bodies during the rainy season, a Hillsborough County news release said.

The ordinance applies to unincorporated Hillsborough County. The city of Tampa has a separate ordinance. The ordinance is intended to protect the environment, particularly area stormwater ponds, streams, rivers, lakes, and Tampa Bay.

The ordinance’s goal is to eliminate urban and suburban landscape stormwater and irrigation runoff that may transport fertilizers containing nitrogen and phosphorous that spur excess algae growth in area water bodies, county staff said.

Hillsborough County’s ordinance applies to anyone including residents, homeowners, homeowners association common property management, businesses, governmental entities, and commercial companies that apply fertilizer and provide landscape services to non-agricultural property.

Fertilizers containing iron, manganese and other micronutrients, also referred to as summer blends, can be applied in unincorporated Hillsborough County during the restricted season to keep lawns healthy and green.

To learn more, visit the County’s fertilizer ordinance and regulation webpage.