In 2014, a new law took effect requiring all commercial fertilizer applicators (for hire) to have a license. This law was passed in 2009. A requirement that must be completed to obtain this license is to successfully complete a Green Industries Best Management Practices (GI-BMP) training class. One option to fulfill this requirement is to take the GI-BMP class on Tuesday May 2, 2017 at the UF IFAS Extension Washington County office.

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These classes instruct green industry professionals in techniques of fertilizer, pesticide and irrigation application that help reduce and prevent pollution caused by runoff and leaching. Runoff and leaching is usually driven by rainfall and creates non-point source pollution. By learning how to implement the safest methods of fertilizer and pesticide application into their daily work, green industry professionals can do their part in the effort to maintain and improve Florida’s water quality and environment.

After receiving a certificate of completion, it costs $25.00 to receive a limited certification for urban landscape commercial fertilizer application. A person possessing such a certification is not subject to additional local testing. The certification expires 4 years after the date of issuance and needs to be renewed at that time. Florida City and County employees that apply fertilizer as part of their job duties do not need to obtain the license to be in compliance with the new fertilizer rule, but they must complete the training and obtain a certificate of completion from the GI-BMP program.

The GI-BMP program has FDACS approval for CEUs:

• 487 GENERAL STANDARDS/CORE		2
  482 GENERAL STANDARDS/CORE		2
  ORNAMENTAL AND TURF PEST CONTROL		2
  LIMITED CERTIFICATION LAWN AND ORNAMENTAL		2
  LIMITED CERTIFICATION COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPE MAINT.		2
  COMMERCIAL LAWN AND ORNAMENTAL		2
  LIMITED URBAN FERTILIZER		2
  PRIVATE APPLICATOR AG PEST CONTROL		2

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