St. Pete Standard

May 30, 2024 – The City of St. Petersburg has announced its annual fertilizer ban, effective from June 1 to September 30. This initiative aims to protect the local environment by preventing nutrient runoff during the summer months, which can lead to algae blooms, fish kills, and water quality issues.

Residents are encouraged to take several steps to help maintain the health of waterways and marine life. These include refraining from using fertilizer during the ban period, treating lawns with slow-release fertilizers in the spring or fertilizer-free micronutrients in the summer, and picking up debris or vegetation near storm drains year-round.

Additionally, residents should follow a no-mow zone six feet from any water body to establish a protective barrier. Ensuring that lawn maintenance personnel are certified through Pinellas County is also recommended. Replacing some or all of a lawn with Florida-friendly native plants is another suggested measure.

For more information on how to comply with the fertilizer ban and other environmental protection tips, visit stpete.org/Fertilizer.