If you’re a landscape professional seeking to obtain a professional certification from UF and/or obtain your license to apply fertilizers, check out our upcoming Green Industry Best Management Practices (GI-BMP) Certification workshops. We are offering these workshops for free at two locations in Martin County this spring and early summer. Obtaining your GI-BMP Certification demonstrates you have knowledge of landscape best practices for the green industry. Homeowners value licensed/certified landscape professionals!
To apply fertilizer commercially
Did you know that commercial fertilizer applicators in Florida must hold a Limited Urban Commercial Fertilizer Applicator Certificate (LUCFAC)? The good news is that our upcoming GI-BMP workshops fulfill the training requirements, and we offer the certification exam at the end of the class. Once you pass the exam, you will receive your certification. You can then use your GI-BMP certificate number to apply for your LUCFAC. The LUCFAC costs $25, and it is valid for four years.
To demonstrate knowledge of environmentally friendly practices
The GI-BMP program focuses on the role of landscape professionals in protecting water resources. During the training, we will review the nine principles of Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM (FFL), describing specific landscape practices applicable to each principle, including:
- Selecting the right plants for the site;
- Using cultural practices (mowing, pruning, mulching, etc.) to support a healthy landscape;
- Using integrated pest management to minimize pesticide application; and
- Applying irrigation and fertilizer only as needed to support plant growth/health.
The workshop also covers local fertilizer ordinances and how the landscape practices we adopt locally fit into the bigger picture of statewide water resource protection efforts.
Upcoming GI-BMP trainings in Martin County
Yes, we have you covered! GI-BMP in-person trainings will be offered on the following dates:
- Monday evenings, 5 to 7 PM, April 14 through May 5, 2025 – training to be offered in either Spanish or English, based on demand at the House of Hope Enrichment Center in Stuart. Participation in all four of the evening sessions is required in order to obtain certification. To register, contact the House of Hope at 772-286-4673 x1600.
- June 17, 2025, 9:15 AM – 4:30 PM – training to be offered in English at the House of Hope Enrichment Center in Jensen Beach. To register, contact the House of Hope at 772-286-4673 x1400.
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