§ 54-38. Licensing of commercial applicators.

(a)

Prior to 1 January 2014, all commercial applicators of fertilizer within the (un)incorporated area of Collier County shall abide by and successfully complete training and continuing education requirements in the "Florida-friendly Best Management Practices for Protection of Water Resources by the Green Industries", offered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection through the University of Florida IFAS "Florida-10 friendly Landscapes" program, or an approved equivalent program, prior to obtaining a Collier County Local Business Tax Certificate for any category of occupation which may apply any fertilizer to turf and/or landscape plants. Commercial Fertilizer Applicators shall provide proof of completion of the program to the County Tax Collector's office within 180 days of the effective date of this ordinance.

(b)

After 31 December, 2013, all commercial applicators of fertilizer within the (un)incorporated area of Collier County shall have and carry in their possession at all times when applying fertilizer, evidence of certification by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as a Commercial Fertilizer Applicator per 5E-14.117(18) F.A.C.

(c)

All businesses applying fertilizer to turf and/or landscape plants (including but not limited to residential lawns, golf courses, commercial properties, and multi-family and condominium properties) must ensure that at least one employee has a "Florida-friendly Best Management Practices for Protection of Water Resources by the Green Industries" training certificate prior to the business owner obtaining a Local Business Tax Certificate. Owners for any category of occupation which may apply any fertilizer to Turf and/or Landscape Plants shall provide proof of completion of the program to the County Tax Collector's Office.

(Ord. No. 11-24, § 13)