Pinecrest Fertilizer Ordinance

Published on May 17, 2022

As Miami-Dade County enters the rainy season, using fertilizers is not allowed from May 15 through October 31. Fertilizers applied during the intense rainy season have the potential to wash away into our surface waters through storm drains, canals, or direct discharges. Fertilizers contain nutrients that harm the ecosystems found in our waterways, especially Biscayne Bay. Excess nutrient pollution from our urban watershed is affecting the health of Biscayne Bay and has contributed to seagrass die-offs, algal blooms, and fish kills in the Bay.

Do your part to help protect Biscayne Bay by following the regulations outlined in the Miami-Dade County fertilizer ordinance. All Miami-Dade County residents, including Pinecrest, must follow the county ordinance.

Additionally, the Village adopted Ordinance No. 2021-6, which regulates the proper use of fertilizers, establishes training and licensing requirements for commercial landscapers and specifies allowable fertilizer application rates and methods, fertilizer-free zones, low maintenance zones, and exemptions. The goal is to reduce waterway pollution and to avoid fish kills and algae blooms. The basic outline of the residential ordinance requirements includes:

- Only use a fertilizer with 0% phosphorus.
- Apply fertilizer at least 20 feet away from storm drains or waterways.
- Use fertilizer with a mix of at least 65% slow-release nitrogen.
- Do not use any fertilizer from May 15 through October 31.

If you are a landscaper who works in the Village of Pinecrest, you must register with the Village.