Florida counties impose summer fertilizer bans to protect Indian River Lagoon

Fertilizer use is now prohibited across several Florida counties, including Brevard, from June 1 through September 30 under seasonal regulations intended to reduce nutrient pollution entering the Indian River Lagoon. The restrictions, often referred to as “fertilizer blackouts,” are enforced annually during the rainy season when runoff risks are highest.

Local governments introduced the bans more than a decade ago following severe algal blooms in 2011 that led to widespread seagrass loss and a spike in marine animal deaths, including manatees, dolphins, and pelicans. The ordinance aims to limit the flow of nitrogen and phosphorus—key ingredients in most fertilizers—into the lagoon.

The bans prohibit the application of lawn fertilizer during the summer months, with violators subject to fines of up to $500. However, enforcement is generally focused on public education rather than punitive measures.

“The idea is to give the lagoon a break when it needs it most,” said local environmental officials. Brevard’s sandy soil accelerates the movement of groundwater—and with it, any excess nutrients—from residential areas to the lagoon, making runoff from fertilized lawns a significant contributor to water quality degradation.

In addition to fertilizer, nitrogen and phosphorus reach the lagoon through sources such as air pollution, leaking septic systems, pet waste, and groundwater. Each pound of these nutrients has the potential to support the growth of over 500 pounds of algae.

Fertilizer rules in Brevard also include year-round restrictions. These include a requirement for at least 50% slow-release nitrogen content, the use of deflector shields to avoid spreading within three feet of water bodies, and a soil test before applying phosphate-based products.

The bans are not uniform across the region. Individual municipalities enforce their own rules, with specific guidelines available through the University of Florida’s extension office.

While the effectiveness of the blackout period remains debated, some environmentalists point to seagrass recovery in other areas with similar regulations, such as Tampa Bay and Sarasota Bay. Industry groups, particularly those with ties to fertilizer manufacturing and lawn care services, have questioned whether fertilizer bans alone are responsible for such gains, citing other contributing improvements like stormwater management and septic-to-sewer conversions.

A 2023 University of Florida study found that roughly half of Florida homeowners apply fertilizer themselves. Most do not base application on soil testing, relying instead on package instructions or landscaping advice. The most common application periods are March, April, and September, with “weed and feed” products being the most frequently used.

Despite ongoing debate over the bans’ impact, officials maintain that the seasonal restrictions are a necessary tool in the broader effort to restore and protect the Indian River Lagoon’s ecological health.