In the state of Florida, if you need to use restricted-use pesticides for the production of ornamental trees, shrubs, flowers, or sod, or if you are responsible for the maintenance of ornamental plants and turfgrass in cemeteries, golf courses, parks, or athletic fields, you will need to obtain an Ornamental and Turfgrass Pesticide license. It’s important to note that this license does not permit the application of pesticides in landscapes around structures or the fumigation of soil and greenhouses.
To obtain the Ornamental and Turfgrass Pesticide license, you will need to pass two exams: the Chapter 487 General Standards Core Exam and the Chapter 487 Ornamental Turfgrass Exam.
Here are the steps to follow:
1. Study
– Read and study the CORE and the Ornamental and Turfgrass manuals. Make sure to answer the questions at the end of each chapter and understand the objectives presented at the beginning of each chapter.
– Study guides:
– CORE study guide
– Ornamental and Turfgrass Pest Management study guide
2. Apply to Take the Exam
– Visit https://aesecomm.fdacs.gov to apply for a voucher to take the test. Choose Agriculture/RUP 487 license and select the correct exam/license for Ornamental and Turfgrass.
– There is no fee to take the exam. Once you pass the exam, the license fee is $100 for Public applicators and $250 for Commercial applicators.
3. Schedule and Take the Exam
– Visit Florida Pesticide Certification Exams — Scheduling Florida Pesticide Certification Exams (ufl.edu) to schedule pesticide exams at your local UF/IFAS Extension Office.
– Each exam has a 2-hour time limit and comprises 50 multiple-choice questions.
4. Apply for License
– Once you pass the exam, visit https://aesecomm.fdacs.gov to pay for and apply for the Ornamental and Turfgrass License.
Some Extension Offices may offer an Exam Review session with exams immediately following the class. It’s important to note that these reviews are not a substitute for individual study and are not mandatory to attend. They are meant to serve as a recap of the information in the manuals. Not all Extension Offices provide this service.
It’s also important to note that these exam reviews occur locally only a few times a year. If one is not offered in your area during your preferred time frame, contact your local County Extension Agent https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/. The Agent may be able to assist you in finding an online class or possibly an in-person class in a neighboring county.
To renew your license every 4 years, you need to attend 4 CORE and 12 Ornamental and Turfgrass Continuing Education Units (CEUs) classes. The renewal fee is $100 for Public and $250 for Commercial license holders. You can renew your license at https://aesecomm.fdacs.gov.
Best wishes on your exam!
For further information, please visit PI292/PI292: Finding the Correct Pesticide Applicator License in Florida (ufl.edu), the source for this article.
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