As the rainy season approaches, Miami-Dade County’s Department of Environmental Resources Management (DERM) reminds residents and businesses about the annual fertilizer restriction period, which runs from May 15 through Oct. 31.
Established under the county’s 2021 Fertilizer Ordinance (Ordinance No. 21 26), this restriction is designed to protect the long term health of Biscayne Bay by reducing pollution from fertilizer use.
“Skipping fertilizer during the rainy season is one of the simplest steps residents can take to protect Biscayne Bay,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “It may seem small, but it makes a tremendous difference in reducing pollution and keeping our bay healthy. Biscayne Bay generates $64 billion every year for our economy and gives so much to our community — taking this easy action is the least we can do to protect it.”
During the rainy season, fertilizers applied to lawns or landscaping are likely to wash into stormwater systems, canals, and groundwater, eventually draining into Biscayne Bay.
Fertilizers containing nitrogen and phosphorus are known contributors to nutrient pollution in Biscayne Bay, which can trigger algal blooms that block the sunlight needed for healthy seagrass growth and decrease oxygen levels in the water leading to fish kills and other environmental harm.
To help reduce these impacts, Miami-Dade County prohibits the use of fertilizers containing nitrogen or phosphorus on turf and landscape plants in both residential and commercial areas during the rainy season.
“DERM works every day to protect and restore the health of Biscayne Bay, but moments like this underscore just how essential our community’s partnership is,” said Loren Parra, chief resilience officer for Miami-Dade County and DERM director. “Each of us has a responsibility to the bay, and when we come together in that shared commitment, we can create meaningful, lasting improvements for this vital resource.”
For more information on the fertilizer restriction period, the ordinance and regulations, toolkits for outreach, and public service announcements available in English, Spanish, and Creole, residents and business can visit www.miamidade.gov/fertilizer.
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