May 15th marks the beginning of the rainy season in Miami-Dade County, as defined by the Fertilizer Ordinance that was passed by the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners. During this season, residents, landscape companies, and condominium associations, among others, are prohibited from using fertilizer. Fertilizer runoff was shown as one of the top contributors to last year’s fish kill in Biscayne Bay, along with rising temperatures and lack of oxygen. The rainy season is in effect through October 31st.

For more information on the Fertilizer Ordinance please visit Miami-Dade County Fertilizer Ordinance

Below is a copy of the Miami Dade County Fertilizer Ordinance

Miami Dade County Fertilizer Ordinance

Additional Educational Resources

What is Nutrient Pollution?

Nutrients, like nitrogen and phosphorus, are naturally occurring – but can be too much of a good thing when found in high concentrations in our waterways. Nutrient pollution can contribute to algae blooms. Algae blooms turn the water green and smell terrible, smothering seagrass and killing fish -- they can even be harmful to humans.

Fertilizers are often over-used in residential landscaping. Biscayne Bay and our canals are extremely sensitive to excess nutrients, so we have to be sure to keep these nutrients out of the water to avoid algae blooms.

Additional Tips to Reduce Nutrient Runoff Pollution

Minimize or eliminate fertilizer, herbicide and pesticide use or switch to organic varieties that are not harmful
Plant native plants – they are naturally adapted to our climate and don’t require a lot of water and fertilizer
Avoid over-watering your lawn
Use mulch instead of herbicides to help control weeds
Sweep up debris – don’t hose down your driveway


Storm Water/Nutrient Runoff Brochure [English]	Storm Water/Nutrient Runoff Brochure [Spanish]

For more information please email manderson@coralgables.com or call 305-460-5008