GI-BMP Best Mangement Practices
The Green Industries Best Management Practices (GI-BMP’s) are designed to preserve and protect Florida’s water resources from non-point-source pollution. The BMP’s cover proper fertilization, pest control, irrigation, and cultural practices for landscape and pest control professionals. Knowledge of appropriate fertilizer rates, sources, and application methods can greatly reduce any potential nonpoint-source pollution of Florida’s ground and surface waters. Although adoption of the BMP’s is voluntary at this time, legislation passed in July 2009 will require anyone who applies fertilizer to obtain an applicator’s license called the Limited Certification for Urban Landscape Commercial Fertilizer Application by January 2014. BMP’s certification (taking the GI-BMP’s course and passing the exam with a 75% or higher) will be pre-requisite to obtain the license. In addition, Orange County passed a fertilizer ordinance that became effective in March 2010. The ordinance mandates that all commercial applicators become GI-BMP’s certified in order to apply fertilizers and to obtain or renew a local business tax certificate.
View Orange County's Fertilizer Ordinance fact sheet here
Download the entire Orange County Fertilizer Ordinance here:
Florida Green Industries Best Management Practices Classes at the Orange County Extension Education Center, Orlando
Next class: June 21, 2012
CEUs Available
Register by credit card here: http://bmp.eventbrite.com (fees apply)
Register by check and class info here
Upcoming Classes:
September 20, 2012
December 13, 2012
Next class in Spanish: June 29, 2012
CEUs Available
Register by check and class info here
Florida Green Industries Best Management Practices Certification Classes Statewide info here
Interested in becoming a GI-BMP Instructor?
Becoming a certified GI-BMP instructor is a 4 step process:
1. Attend a GI-BMP class and pass the test with a minimum score of 90%
2. Complete the attached form and meet the eligibility requirements
3. Attend the GI-BMP Instructor Training class and pass the test with a minimum score of 75%
4. Co-train with an experienced instructor
Contact: Claudia McLeroy
GI-BMP Regional Coordinator [North East]
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
3125 Agriculture Center Dr.
St. Augustine, FL 32092
Phone: (904) 209-0430 ext. 4778
claudia.mcleroy@dep.state.fl.us
Limited Urban Commercial Fertilizer Applicator Certification
Beginning January 1, 2014, any person applying fertilizers "for-hire" to an urban landscape must be certified under Chapter 482.1562, Florida Statutes. This includes all commercial fertilizer applicators making any type of fertilizer application to commercial turf or ornamental areas; and/or the turf or ornamental areas of parks or fields (other than agricultural areas) and/or turf or ornamental area of any residential property. Prior to issuance of this certification, the applicator must provide proof of having received training in “Green Industry Best Management Practices.” These classes are offered by the Department of Environmental Regulation (DEP) AND the University of Florida, IFAS. How to obtain training here
A limited commercial fertilizer applicator certificate expires four (4) years after the date of issuance. Before applying for renewal or re-certification, an applicant must complete 4 hours of acceptable continuing education, two of which must be in fertilizer best management practices.
Certification under this section does not authorize:
-
The application of pesticides to turf or ornamentals, including pesticide/fertilizer mixtures;
-
The operation of a pest control business; or
-
The application of pesticides or fertilizers by unlicensed or uncertified personnel under the supervision of the certified person.
How Do I obtain my Limited Certification for Urban Landscape Commercial Fertilizer license?
- Required Fee;
- A current, clearly recognizable, full-face, head and shoulders photograph measuring approximately 1-1/2 x 1-1/2 inches in size even if already on file
- Attach copy of your GI-BMP Training Certificate and mail it to:
Download this application (pdf,35Kb)
Complete the application form with:
Bureau of Entomology and Pest Control
1203 Governors Square Blvd,
Suite 300, GS-46
Tallahassee, FL 32301-2961
4-H Youth Development 