If you do landscape maintenance, or own a landscape design company, perhaps you strive to be a cut above the rest? If so, then becoming a Florida-Friendly landscaping professional may be for you!
The Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program offers a Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Certified Professional (FFLCP) designation to individuals who have completed the required training in FFL principles and are familiar with the latest UF/IFAS recommendations. These trained professionals have demonstrated the ability to recognize and address common landscape issues by using environmentally sustainable landscape management practices that help preserve and protect Florida’s water and natural resources.
Benefits of becoming a FFLCP
Individuals who have successfully completed the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Certified Professional training requirements will gain:
- Understanding of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ as a science-based, environmentally sound, and comprehensive approach to the design and maintenance of landscapes
- Technical information and resources to create Florida-Friendly landscapes
- Overview of the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ legislation Florida State Statute 373.185
- Information on Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ tools and resources
- A competitive advantage in the professional landscape design marketplace
- A certificate of qualification with the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Certified Professional logo
- Option to be listed on the FFL website statewide directory of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Certified Professionals
- Use of the FFLCP logo to promote your expertise in sustainable landscape design and maintenance.
How can you become certified and add this distinction to your business resume?
Step 1: Prerequisite Training – Online
Step 2: Field Module – In Person
The 3- to 4-hour Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Certified Professional Field Module consists of both classroom and field training, and an exam. The classroom training will review FFL principles and topics covered in the online prerequisite courses. The field training will be a site visit to review site conditions, identify what is/is not FFL, identify invasive plants and weeds, and discuss recommended management practices.
Make the Shift to Sustainable
Becoming a FFLCP shows that you are forward thinking and realize that your landscaping practices matter. Customers are looking for landscapers who not only create beauty, but also protect their families, wildlife and the environment. Educating customers is the key. Becoming a certified Florida friendly landscaper will give you the confidence you need to bring much needed change to outdated, and unhealthy landscaping practices.
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