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Citrus County adopts stricter fertilizer rules aimed at protecting springs; ordinance passes
Summary
The Board adopted amendments to Chapter 66 of the county code to tighten fertilizer application rules — including expanded blackout periods, 25-foot buffers near water, and a 65% slow-release nitrogen requirement — after public testimony from conservation groups; the motion passed.
The Citrus County Board of County Commissioners adopted a revised fertilizer ordinance intended to reduce nutrient runoff into springs, rivers and coastal waters.
The ordinance amends local code provisions to expand fertilizer blackout periods, add application buffers around water bodies, require slow-release nitrogen products, and require point-of-sale signage for retailers.
What the ordinance does - Expands the fertilizer blackout period to include dormant months (November–March) and the rainy (wet) season as defined in the ordinance (June–September). - Establishes a 25-foot buffer where fertilizer containing nitrogen and phosphorus may not be applied adjacent to bodies of water. - Requires that at least 65% of the nitrogen content in fertilizers be in slow-release form. - Requires retailers to display county-issued signage at the point of sale to help customers comply with the rules.
Committee and public input James Toy of Intergovernmental Affairs introduced the ordinance language and invited Michael McGrath, a Sierra Club of Florida subject-matter expert, to comment. McGrath praised the provisions as “amongst the strongest, if not the strongest, in the entire state” and urged the county to pair regulatory changes with an education and outreach campaign. Devon Carollo, chair of the local Sierra Club group, and representatives of the Florida Native Plant Society, League of Women Voters and other local conservation organizations spoke in favor.
Supporters cited Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) modeling estimating that a wet-season fertilizer ban would substantially reduce nutrient loading in county waters; speakers supplied endorsements and a petition signed by local residents and businesses.
Concerns and enforcement Commissioner Berry asked about enforcement and the economic impacts on landscape businesses. In discussion commissioners and staff said compliant summer alternatives are available and that commercial applicators may continue to operate using products that meet the new standards. County staff and the Sierra Club offered to help coordinate point-of-sale education; one commissioner asked for details on who would pay for printed materials.
Vote and next steps A motion to adopt the ordinance was made by Commissioner Davis and seconded by Commissioner Finnegan; the motion carried (recorded tally: 4 yes, 0 no). Staff were directed to implement the ordinance and to coordinate education and signage with retail partners and conservation groups. Commissioners also noted the county’s ongoing efforts to secure state grants for septic-to-sewer conversions and broader water-quality work.
Ending County staff will bring implementation details to the board and coordinate with partners on outreach and retailer signage. The ordinance text will be incorporated into the county code and published according to standard procedures.
