Fertilizer ordinance

Here is Volusia County's Fertilizer Ordinance

To protect Volusia County's springs and surface waters from nutrient pollution, the Volusia County Council has adopted a summertime fertilizer ban and initiated other restrictions to protect the county's waterways.

Non-point sources of pollution, which include fertilizer runoff, contribute significant amounts of nutrients to our water bodies. Runoff from improper use of fertilizer can contribute to nitrogen and phosphorous pollution in surface waters and ground water.

Information on supporting documentation for stricter fertilizer rules

Ordinance 2014-09 applies to all homes and businesses in Volusia County, except those in Deltona, which has its own fertilizer ordinance. Gardens and compost are exempt.

Under the ordinance, the application of fertilizers containing nitrogen or phosphorous is prohibited from June 1 through September 30 of each year, during flood watches and on saturated soils.

Other provisions include:

• Fertilizer may not be applied within 15 feet of water bodies.
• The application of fertilizers containing phosphorous is prohibited unless a deficiency is verified by a soil or tissue test. (The University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences offers tests for phosphorous, potassium, calcium and magnesium content in soil.)
• Fertilizer containing nitrogen may be applied only between October 1 and May 31 and must contain no less than 50 percent slow-release nitrogen.

For more information, please see Frequently asked questions and documents below: