(A) By September 30, 2014, all commercial fertilizer applicators were required by state law to abide by and successfully complete training and continuing education requirements in the Florida- Friendly Best Management Practices for Protection of Water Resources by the Green Industries, offered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection through the University of Florida/IFAS Florida-Friendly Landscapes program, or an approved equivalent program. Commercial fertilizer applicators shall provide proof of completion of the program prior to obtaining a new local business tax receipt for any category of occupation which may apply any fertilizer to turf, landscape plants, or both. Commercial fertilizer applicators with an existing local business tax receipt for any category of occupation which may apply any fertilizer to turf, landscape plants, or both shall provide proof of completion of the program within 30 days after completing the program as required by state law prior to September 30, 2014.
(B) After September 30, 2014, all commercial fertilizer applicators were required by state law to have and carry in their possession at all times when applying fertilizer, evidence of certification by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as a commercial fertilizer applicator pursuant to Rule 5E-14.117(18), Florida Administrative Code (2016), as this regulation may be amended from time to time.
(C) By September 30, 2014, all businesses applying fertilizer to turf, landscape plants, or both (including but not limited to residential lawns, commercial properties, and multi- family and condominium properties) were required by state law to ensure that at least one employee has a Florida- Friendly Best Management Practices for Protection of Water Resources by the Green Industries training certificate. Business owners for any category of occupation which may apply any fertilizer to turf, landscape plants, or both shall provide proof of completion of the program by at least one employee prior to the business owner obtaining a new local business tax receipt. Business owners for any category of occupation which may apply any fertilizer to turf, landscape plants, or both with an existing local business tax receipt shall provide proof of completion of the program by at least one employee within 30 days after completing the program and prior to September 30, 2014.
(Ord. 1569, passed 7-27-17)