SB494 UpdateSB494 UpdateUniversity of Florida/IFAS University of Florida/IFAS

Environmental Horticulture DepartmentEnvironmental Horticulture Department

FloridaFlorida--Friendly LandscapingFriendly Landscaping™™ ProgramProgram

Don RaineyDon RaineyMaster Gardener ConferenceMaster Gardener Conference

October 25, 2010October 25, 2010

Local Ordinances

Urban Turfgrass

Fertilizer RuleSB 2080

SB 494

OverviewHistory/HighlightsHistory/Highlights

Limited Commercial Urban Fertilizer Limited Commercial Urban Fertilizer Applicator Certificate (LCUFAC)Applicator Certificate (LCUFAC)

DefinitionsDefinitions

Master GardenerMaster Gardener’’s Roles Role

So…

…what’s…

…the…

BIG…

…Deal?

Moment of Reflection

Florida is an Exciting Place to Be!

14 Million Floridians

Humans…being…Human

D. Rainey NACAA 200942 Million Visitors a Year

Land of Leisure

My Paradise

D. Rainey NACAA 2009

Resort Style Living

The Salt Life

Recreation

D. Rainey NACAA 20091091 Golf Facilities (according to PGA of America)

Nature

D. Rainey NACAA 2009Florida has 51,000 miles of rivers and streams

We have Plenty of Room

D. Rainey NACAA 2009

1950 PRESENT

Courtesy The Conservancy of SWFL

Urban Growth

Projected 17 Million by 2020

Sustainable?

D. Rainey NACAA 2009

Florida Depends on Water

Water is Land; Land is Water

• 90% Drinking Water Comes From Ground Water

• Well-Drained Sandy Soils

• Shallow Water Table

• High Rainfall 50-60 inches/Year

Risk: Contamination of ground water resources

Critical Situation

with

Human Activityand

Pointless Personal Pollution

D. Rainey NACAA 2009

Nonpoint Source PollutionNonpoint Source Pollution

Pollution that comes from Pollution that comes from diverse sourcesdiverse sources that that CANCAN’’TT be be ““pointedpointed”” atat

The Urban Watershed

e.g.

D. Rainey NACAA 2009 Courtesy of EPA

What is wrong with this What is wrong with this picture?picture?

Connect...The…Dots.

D. Rainey NACAA 2009

D. Rainey NACAA 2009Enough is Enough!

Problem

No Standardization!

D. Rainey NACAA 2009

Leaders Started Talking

Who are the Stakeholders?

“An Act Relating to Water Conservation and Water Quality”

Water Conservation (section 373.62)

Variance:

Soil Moisture Sensor

Model Ordinance(s)

Creation of section:

403.9335, F.S.

GIGI--BMPBMPCertified ProfessionalCertified Professional

• Actively Encouraged: – Trade Associations

– Educational Institutions

• FDEP – UF/IFAS Provide:– Review

– Final Approval

3rd Party Green Industry Best Management Practices Training Programs

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

(FDACS)

The Licensing Process

LCUFAC “Fertilizer” CEUs

“Institutional Applicator”Not required if application is only to property

owed by you, your firm, or your employer

– Government Employees

– Condominiums

– HospitalsDepartment of Environmental Protection and the University of Florida – JANUARY 2009

By Definition: The LCFAC provides the certificate holder the authority to apply only fertilizers in urban landscapes for commercial gain.

Any person who applies fertilizer on turf and/or landscape plants in

exchange for money, goods, services or other valuable consideration.

Department of Environmental Protection and the University of Florida – JANUARY 2009

Any combination of living plants (such as grass, ground cover, shrubs, vines,

hedges, or trees) and non-living landscape material (such as rocks,

pebbles, sand, mulch, walls, fences, or decorative paving materials).

Department of Environmental Protection and the University of Florida – JANUARY 2009

1. the application of pesticides to turf or ornamental plants, including pesticide-fertilizer mixes such as “weed and feed” products,

2. the operation of a pest control business, or

3. the application of pesticides or fertilizers by unlicensed or uncertified individuals under the supervision of a certified person.

Step 1. Obtain a GI-BMP Training Certificate

Step 2. Complete a FDACS Application Form

Step 3. Remit $25 for the cost of the LCFAC

For more information contact the Bureau of Entomology and Pest Control at (850) 921-

4177 or visit the web site at:http://www.flaes.org/aes-ent/index.html

It’s a Puzzle Out There!

…I am here to help.

Don Rainey(941) 457-0219drainey@ufl.edu

http://fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/

Acknowledgments/Sites:Dr. Laurie Trenholm – UF/IFAS Turfgrass Specialist

Florida-Friendly FAQs for FDEP, FDACS, and UF-IFAS on 2009 legislative bills SB494 and SB2080