Summer fertilizer rules around Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay’s summer storms wash whatever is on lawns into storm drains and on into the bay. To limit nutrient runoff, a number of local governments around the bay restrict fertilizer during the rainy season.

What the rules usually cover

Ordinances adopted in Pinellas County and in cities such as Tampa and St. Petersburg restrict applying fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorus during the summer rainy season, typically June 1 to September 30, and add rules year-round such as keeping fertilizer off hard surfaces and away from water. Details differ from place to place — some areas have no summer restriction — and ordinances change, so check the current rules for your address with your city or county.

What it means for your lawn plan

• Ask how the company adjusts its summer program to your local ordinance (for example, iron or micronutrient products instead of nitrogen in restricted months).
• Ask whether the treatment schedule and price change through the year.
• Make sure whoever applies fertilizer is certified to do it commercially. How to check.

The University of Florida’s Florida-Friendly Landscaping program publishes homeowner guidance on fertilizing, watering and choosing plants that need less of both.

17 pros in our directory say they follow Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles (as of November 6, 2026).

Fertilization & weed-control pros · Landscapers