Florida Department of Agriculture

and Consumer Services

Adam PutnamCOMMISSIONER

GI-BMP/LCFAC

Program Overview

The limited certificate for an urban landscape commercial fertilizer applicator is valid for a four year period from the date of issuance.

Prior to renewal, a limited commercial fertilizer applicatorwill need to complete 4 classroom hours of acceptable continuing education, of which, at least 2hours address fertilizer best-management practices.

There are several programs already approved for this purpose and the Department expects more programs to be approved for this training as the deadline draws nearer.

Memo 897 and 909

ALL individuals/employees making a commercial fertilizer application to urban landscapes are NOW required to possess the Limited Certification for Urban Landscape Commercial Fertilizer Applicators.

There is NO exception for persons who possess Chapter 482 employee identification cards. Every person, making ANY TYPE OF fertilizer application for hire, must possess this limited certificate and carry it on their person.

Persons who are employed by, or are employees of golf courses, who are making fertilizer applications are NOT required to obtain the Limited Certification for Urban Landscape Commercial Fertilizer Applicators. Golf courses have their own fertilizer BMPs to adhere to.

Also, commercial fertilizer applications made to groves, nurseries, row crops, sod production and other agricultural areas do NOT need to obtain the Limited Fertilizer Certificate.

GIBMP Training (required to obtain the certificate) can now be obtained:In person - at most county extension offices;On-Line – which covers the same topics as the classroom training, but allowing you tocomplete the training on your computer, at your own pace; orUsing DVD Training - DVD training can be used by individual students, or as a tool forfacilitated group training.This link (https://gibmp.ifas.ufl.edu/) provides information from the University of FloridaIFAS Extension on how to register for training programs, train on-line or ordering the DVD toobtain the necessary training.

Using DVD Training - DVD training can be used by individual students, or as a tool for facilitated group training.

This link (https://gibmp.ifas.ufl.edu/) provides information from the University of FloridaIFAS Extension on how to register for training programs, train on-line or ordering the DVD toobtain the necessary training.

To obtain the limited certificate, EACH applicant can apply online at this URL:

https://aesecomm.freshfromflorida.com/ and following the on-screen instructions. This method will verify your training certificate electronically; accept credit card payment; and issue the certificate with minimal delay.

Applicants may also submit to the department a completed form, “Application for Limited Certification for Urban Landscape Commercial Fertilizer, DACS 13677 (Rev. 08/09)”,with the application fee of $25.00, and submit a copy of their certificate showing that they completed the Green Industries Best Management Practices (GIBMP) training.

This link:http://forms.freshfromflorida.com/13677.pdf will download a copy of the form for you.

The limited certificate for an urban landscape commercial fertilizer applicator is valid for a four year period from the date of issuance.

Prior to renewal, a limited commercial fertilizer applicator will need to complete 4 classroom hours of acceptable continuing education, of which, at least 2 hours address fertilizer best-management practices.

There are several programs already approved for this purpose and the Department expects more programs to be approved for this training.

NOTE:For certified operators – For the year when the LF renewal occurs, the Department WILL accept attendance at a 2 hour CEU core category program for both their certificate renewal and LF renewal. The operator WILL have to attach/provide a copy of the core training to both renewalapplications.

For technicians – As technician training is NOT approved by the Department, it cannot count toward the 2 hour CEU core requirement. Therefore, technicians WILL have to take an approved 2 hour CEU core category course and an approved 2 hour CEU LF training course prior to their renewal.

Measuring the Objectives

Indicators• Industry Benchmarks• Attendance• Knowledge Gain• Adoption of BMPs and Conveyance to Clients• DACS Inspector Observations (future)

Other Efforts

• Press Releases (4 Approved Articles)• PSA (DACS)• Logo Creation (Bumper Sticker, Patch)• Contact Card (QR Code)• New CEU Category Competency Criteria• Bridged FFL Database with FDACS• Compiling Local Ordinances• Revised Test Bank• DVD training (English)

How does Enforcement of the LCFAC work?

A Field Advisory Notice will be issued for the following:

Not having your Limited Fertilizer Certificate.

Questions?????