Miami-Dade - With rainy season almost upon us, Miami-Dade County is promoting Fertilizer Awareness Week May 8-12, to educate residents and businesses on the annual fertilizer use restrictions that begin on May 15.

Rainy season typically produces seven to nine inches of monthly rainfall that can cause fertilizer runoff into our stormwater system, canals, and our groundwater, which ultimately end up in the Biscayne Bay watershed. In 2021, the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners approved a Fertilizer Ordinance that prohibits the use of fertilizers containing nitrogen and phosphorous on turf and landscape plants in residential and commercial areas from May 15 to October 31, to stop harmful nutrients from polluting the waters of Biscayne Bay.

"With a simple action we can all help protect our Biscayne Bay so that we may enjoy it for generations to come," said Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. "I encourage our residents to avoid using fertilizers during the rainy season or consider planting trees and other flora that don't need fertilizer to grow successfully, such as native and Florida-friendly plants.”

Fertilizers containing nitrogen and phosphorous have been identified as a contributing factor to the nutrient pollution in Biscayne Bay. Nutrient pollution promotes algal blooms that can block the sunlight necessary for seagrass growth and lead to low levels of dissolved oxygen in our bay waters. Low levels of dissolved oxygen have contributed to fish kills over the past couple of years.

"Since its adoption, the County’s Fertilizer Ordinance has helped reduce nutrient pollution, improve the health of marine life, and build a more resilient community for us,” said Commissioner Eileen Higgins. “So as rainy season once again quickly approaches, it’s important to remind our residents and businesses during Fertilizer Awareness Week to do their part to save the Bay by not using fertilizer."

Miami-Dade County’s Fertilizer Ordinance is one part of a multifaceted approach to improving the health of Biscayne Bay. A thriving bay is vital to the health of our community and economy.

Residents can look for signs providing information on the restrictive period at local retailers or by visiting Miami-Dade’s Fertilizer Ordinance page.