After each pesticide training or production meeting where continuing education credits (CEUs) are offered, I am always surprised to learn that many of the applicators are unfamiliar with the pesticide licensing process and keeping their licenses current. So, I wanted to share some of the most frequently asked questions regarding agricultural pesticide licensing.
Who is in charge of pesticide licensing?
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is responsible for administering pesticide licenses in the state of Florida. UF/IFAS Extension is responsible for providing pre-test training for individuals wanting to obtain a license, administering CEUs for license renewal and providing support and materials for pesticide applicators.
How do I know if I need a pesticide license?
If you apply restricted-use pesticides (RUP), federal law requires you to be certified or work under the direct supervision of a certified applicator. Additionally, certification may be required by your employer.
How do I know which type of pesticide license I need?
This depends on where you will be applying pesticides and your job. Licensing is issued under the three Florida Statues:
| Florida Pesticide Statutes | Pesticide Application Site | |
| Florida Mosquito Control | Chapter 388 | Area wide mosquito control or control of other arthropods of public health significance |
| Structural Pest Control | Chapter 482 | Any pesticide (RUP or general use) inside or to any part of a building or structure, ornamentals & turf associated with a building (lawns & plant beds) (general use applications to your own yard & residence are exempt) |
| Florida Pest Control Law | Chapter 487 | Ag areas, industrial areas, and any outdoor areas not associated with buildings or public health |
The majority of applicators that the UF/IFAS Panhandle Agriculture Team assists will fall under Chapter 487 applicators. Under this law, there are three license classifications that applicators can fall under:
| Applicator Class (AG) | Applicators Occupation or Employer | More Details |
| Private | Farmer, rancher, nurseryman, sod producer, land owner | Applies RUPs for producing agricultural commodities or nursery plants on their property or that of their employer |
| Public | State, city, or county; public utility, University | Applies RUPs as part of their normal job duties to agricultural land for their employer- usually government agencies, utility companies, university research plots |
| Commercial | For-hire | Applies RUPs to agricultural property in a for-hire capacity other than public health pest control or as a pest control operator business |
For more information, please visit: Finding the Correct Pesticide Applicator License in Florida
How do I obtain a pesticide license?
All applicants for a pesticide applicator license must pass one or more examinations for initial certification. A passing grade of 70% is required on all exams.
Private License:
Two exams are required to obtain a private applicator license:
- General Standards (CORE) exam; and
- Private Applicator Ag Pest Control exam
Public and Commercial License:
- General Standards (CORE) exam; and
- Exams for each category of intended use
Where do I take my pesticide licensing exam?
FDACS partners with Everblue for two testing options: remote exams from any location using a compatible computer or in-person exams at testing centers across Florida.
For a map of test center locations, please visit: FDACS Testing Sites – Google My Maps
To sign up and schedule your exam, please visit: https://aeslicensing.fdacs.gov/Licenses/
Is there a fee to take the exam?
In-person exams: $59
Remote online exams: $32
How much does a license cost?
Private and Public: $100
Commercial: $250
How do I keep my license current and up-to-date?
License renewal is required every four years. With renewal comes recertification. Applicators have the option of recertifying by either retaking the certification exam or accumulating CEUs during the four-year license period. Most applicators opt for the latter.
Where can I earn CEUs?
CEUs are earned by attending professional meetings, seminars, workshops or by completing online courses that have been approved by FDACS. Many Extension production meetings offer CEUs for free or at a discounted rate.
The UF/IFAS Pesticide Information Office offers a variety of online CEU courses for a discounted rate: Pesticide Information Office (instructure.com)
Another option for earning free CEU credit is through the ‘CEU Central’ segment of Citrus Industry Magazine. Each year, the magazine releases a series of articles that applicators simply read and submit the accompanying test for grading. Once approved, 1 CEU credit is granted per article. Up to 4 CORE CEUs per year can be earned this way.
To search available CEU classes, please visit: https://aessearch.fdacs.gov/AvailableClassSearch.asp
How many CEUs do I need for renewal?
The number of CEUs required for renewal depends upon the type of license and category.
| Chapter 487 CEU Requirement Examples | ||
| Category | Category CEUs | CORE CEUs |
| Private | 4 | 4 |
| Aerial | 16 | 4 |
| Ag Row Crop | 8 | 4 |
| Ag Tree Crop | 8 | 4 |
| Aquatic | 16 | 4 |
| Forestry | 8 | 4 |
How many CEUs do I have?
During the four-year period, it is ultimately the applicator’s responsibility to keep up with any earned CEUs. Many Extension Offices that offer CEUs do, however, keep CEU records on hand.
FDACS also has an earned CEU search tool. To see your earned CEUs, visit:
https://aeslicensing.fdacs.gov/Reports/PBI—Earned-CEU-Search/ and be sure to set the end date to the present day. Keep in mind though, that not all CEU providers enter CEU record attendance into the FDACS system so the CEU count listed online may not always be accurate. If you have hard-copy CEU forms earned, those may be submitted for renewal as well.
How do I renew my license?
FDACS emails renewal notices to all licensees approximately 60 days before the license expiration date. In order to renew, the applicator must complete the renewal notice, send in their CEUs and their payment. You can pay your renewal fee and upload your documents online through FDACS’ pesticide licensing portal: https://aeslicensing.fdacs.gov/Licenses/
You will need to log in and create an account to access your license information, submit applications, and license renewal. Renewal notifications will no longer be sent by mail as they were in the past. All reminders are now via email only.
What happens if my license has expired?
There is a grace period of 60 days after your license has expired for renewal. After this grace period expires, applicator will be charged a $50 late fee for renewal.
For more information on pesticide applicator licensing, please visit:
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdf/PI/PI292/PI292-Ds4fgi5amk.pdf
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