Fertilizer Use and Maintenance of Landscapes

Many fertilizers contain nitrogen and phosphorus, also known as nutrients. Pollution from nutrients decreases water quality and can cause algae blooms and fish kills. When fertilizers are not applied responsibly, the nutrients can be carried with rainwater into the stormwater system which flows directly into our bays and the Gulf. Regulations on fertilizer application have been put in place to protect the water quality of our lakes, rivers and bays.

Rules to Follow

• The full ordinance can be viewed by clicking on the PDF below
• All areas of property covered by lawn, turf, and landscape plants are subject to the fertilizer ordinance
• ALL commercial fertilizer applicators are required to carry their current State of Florida Limited Urban Commercial Fertilizer Applicator Certification on them at all times when applying fertilizer

Timing of Fertilizer Application:

• No fertilizer containing nitrogen and/or phosphorus shall be applied when the National Weather Service issues any advisory for severe thunderstorm, flood, tropical storm or hurricane, or when there is a 60% chance of 2 inches or greater of rain in a 24-hour period
• No fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorus may be applied in the City of Naples from June 1 through September 30
• Nitrogen-containing fertilizer cannot be applied before seeding or sodding or for the first 30 days after seeding or sodding

Fertilizer Content:

• Fertilizers containing nitrogen applied in the City of Naples must contain at least 50 percent slow release nitrogen
• Nitrogen fertilizer rate cannot exceed 1 lb / 1,000 sq feet per application
• Nitrogen fertilizer cannot exceed 4 lbs / 1,000 sq feet per year (except Centipede grass – 3 lbs / 1,000 sq feet per year maximum)
• Fertilizers containing phosphorus are prohibited unless soil test shows deficiency (requires City approval)
• Fertilizer application rates must account for nitrogen and phosphorus contained in reclaimed water (if reclaimed water is used for irrigation)

Application Methods:

• Deflector shields must be in place when broadcast spreaders are used
• No fertilizer or grass clippings shall be deposited on any impervious surface (e.g. streets, sidewalks, or driveways)
• No fertilizer can be applied within 10 feet from waterways
• No fertilizer or grass clippings can be washed, swept or blown into storm drains, ditches or waterbodies
• A 10-foot low maintenance zone – planted area with no fertilizing, mowing or maintenance – adjacent to waterbodies is highly encouraged
• Golf courses, bona-fide agricultural operation, and sports fields are exempt from the ordinance

PLEASE USE THE FERTILIZER CALCULATOR BELOW TO DETERMINE THE MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE FERTILIZER FOR YOUR YARD.

By fertilizing responsibly we can help protect our natural waters.