Summer Fertilizer Restrictions Take Effect June 1 Across Manatee County
Residents and landscapers across Manatee County will need to follow seasonal fertilizer restrictions beginning June 1 as local regulations prohibit the application of fertilizers containing nitrogen or phosphorus through Sept. 30.
The annual restrictions are designed to protect local waterways during Florida’s rainy season, when frequent storms and heavy rainfall can wash excess nutrients from lawns and landscaped areas into storm drains, rivers, bays and other bodies of water.
Officials say nutrient runoff can contribute to water quality issues, including harmful algal blooms and the degradation of aquatic ecosystems. By limiting the use of certain fertilizers during the wettest months of the year, communities aim to reduce the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus entering local waterways.
The seasonal ban applies to fertilizers containing nitrogen or phosphorus used on residential and commercial lawns and landscapes. Residents are encouraged to follow local fertilizer ordinances and use environmentally responsible landscaping practices throughout the summer.
The City of Bradenton and Manatee County continue to promote stormwater protection efforts and public education initiatives aimed at improving water quality and preserving natural resources. The restrictions are part of a broader regional effort adopted by many Florida communities to safeguard rivers, bays and coastal waters during periods of increased rainfall.
Additional information about fertilizer regulations, stormwater protection and best management practices is available through Manatee County, the City of Bradenton and the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS).
