Summer Fertilizer Ban June 1– September 30

The City of Marco Island approved its own Fertilizer Ordinance on May 7, 2016, and according to the City’s website, “the Fertilizer Ordinance governs the registration of professional landscapers on the island and 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.”

What you Can and Cannot do During the Fertilizer Ban

Do not apply fertilizer during the rainy season (June 1 – September 30) or when a weather event is predicted that will include heavy rainfall.

It does not prohibit the application of fertilizer – it only prohibits the use of nitrogen and phosphorous (“N” and “P”), which are the first two elements in the fertilizer label. The use of potassium or “K” is allowed during this period.

Do not apply phosphorus fertilizer unless a soil test has determined there is a deficiency of phosphorus. Phosphorous (P), the second number on the fertilizer label should always be ZERO. 

Phosphorus is banned because sufficient phosphorus is typically present in southwest Florida soils. Excess phosphorus will run off into the water and cause algae blooms. 

Fertilizers must contain no less than 50 % slow-release nitrogen per guaranteed analysis label and as defined in Chapter 576, Florida Statute. Nitrogen (N), always the first number, is expressed as a ratio. And Potassium (K) is always the third number.

According to the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) “When too many nutrients, mainly nitrogen and phosphorus, enter our waterbodies, they cause excessive algal growth. Excess algae can reduce or deplete dissolved oxygen available to aquatic life and, in many instances, produce toxins that can harm people, animals, and aquatic life.”

Marco Island’s Fertilizer Ordinance also acknowledges that “overuse and improper application of nitrogen and phosphorous create water quality issues and pollute our treasured waters. They promote algae blooms and other excessive plant growth.”

Do not apply fertilizer to impervious surfaces (means a constructed surface, such as a sidewalk, road, parking lot, or driveway, covered by impenetrable materials such as asphalt, concrete, brick, pavers, stone, or highly compacted soil.)

Fertilizer Spill? Clean it Up! Fertilizer shall not be applied, spilled, or otherwise deposited on any impervious surfaces. Any fertilizer applied, spilled, or deposited, either intentionally or accidentally, on any impervious surface shall be immediately and completely removed. 

Fertilizer Free Zone – Fertilizer shall NOT be applied within ten (10) feet of any pond, stream, storm drain, watercourse, lake, canal, or wetland as defined by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection or from the top of a seawall.

Always use Spreader Deflector Shields when fertilizing adjacent to fertilizer-free zones or Impervious surfaces and when applying fertilizer near water or sidewalks, driveways, and streets.

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.

Exemptions:  Fertilizer Ordinance shall NOT apply to Athletic Fields that are maintained and used by the public as exempt from fertilizer application regulation under Section 18-64(6)a.

Retail businesses within the City selling fertilizer are requested to post a notice in a conspicuous location near the fertilizer notifying customers of this ordinance. 

Code Enforcement Officer Keith Richter provided the following update on Landscaping Companies:

• There are 238 Landscaping Companies that are registered to work on Marco Island. To register, they must be properly licensed by Collier County.
• There are 26 Landscaping companies that have not completed the registration process.
• If a company is found to be working on Marco Island in violation of City Ordinance 8-73(a), a Notice of Violation is issued. The company will have 60 days to complete the registration process and is not allowed to operate on Marco Island until properly registered.
• Code Officers proactively look for landscapers with the proper window sticker on their vehicle.
• The goal for 2024 is 100% compliance for all Landscaping businesses working on Marco Island to be properly registered.