Florida summers are brutal on lawns—not just because of the heat, but also because of the timing. Right when your grass is begging for a little boost of nutrients, local regulations put strict rules in place. If you live in Hillsborough County, you’ve probably heard some buzz around fertilizer restrictions. But what does that really mean for your lawn, your landscaping goals, and your ability to maintain healthy grass during the summer months?
We work with homeowners across the Tampa Bay region, and one of the most common questions we get during the warmer months is: Can I fertilize my lawn right now, or will I get in trouble for it? The short answer is yes—Hillsborough County has a summer fertilizer ban.
Every year, Hillsborough County enforces a fertilizer blackout period from June 1 through September 30. This seasonal regulation isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a legally enforceable ordinance designed to reduce pollution in our waterways. The ban specifically prohibits the application of any fertilizer containing nitrogen (N) or phosphorus (P) to turfgrass and landscape plants during these months.
That means if you pick up a standard bag of lawn fertilizer and the first two numbers on the label (representing N-P-K, or nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium) are higher than zero, it’s not legal to apply it during the blackout period. However, fertilizers that contain only potassium or micronutrients like iron and magnesium are still allowed.
What’s more, the rules don’t stop at just what's in the bag. You can’t fertilize within 10 feet of any water body, including ponds, lakes, streams, or storm drains—regardless of the time of year.
You might be wondering why this rule even exists, especially if you take great care in how you fertilize your yard. The main reason behind the fertilizer ban is Florida’s rainy season—which runs from June through September. During this time, heavy rainfall creates a higher risk of runoff, which can carry excess nitrogen and phosphorus into local waterways.
When those nutrients enter the water, they fuel harmful algae blooms, which damage aquatic ecosystems, kill fish, and create toxic conditions for humans and animals alike. Algae blooms can also contribute to respiratory issues and trigger beach closures—both of which have major implications for tourism and quality of life.
Even though recent research, like the 2024 University of Florida study, has questioned just how effective these bans are compared to other contributing factors (like septic systems and agricultural runoff), local officials continue to use them as a protective measure to limit preventable pollution.
Just because nitrogen and phosphorus are off the table for a few months doesn’t mean your lawn is doomed. At Green Solutions Lawn Care & Pest Control, we’ve helped countless clients navigate the ban successfully using strategic planning and nutrient-smart alternatives. The truth is, lawns don’t need constant fertilization when they’re already healthy. A good nutrient foundation in the spring and fall can set your lawn up to coast through the summer with minimal additional input. However, summer stressors like heat, humidity, pests, and disease can still take a toll—so planning is essential.
During the blackout period, we shift our approach from heavy feeding to maintenance and protection. That means strengthening the lawn's natural defenses through targeted care and adjusting your habits to reduce environmental stress.
There are a few key alternatives that are still permitted—and very effective—during the fertilizer blackout:
We recommend working with a lawn care professional to make sure anything you’re applying is compliant. A misstep can not only cost you fines—it can also damage your lawn if not used correctly.
The rules may be strict, but not everyone is subject to them. Hillsborough County allows several key exemptions:
However, even these operations must follow best management practices and stay within certain guidelines to minimize environmental harm. If you’re a homeowner, though, there are no exemptions—so make sure you're following the rules.
Want to see the complete breakdown of ordinances across Florida counties? The University of Florida IFAS Extension map is an excellent resource for checking what’s allowed and what’s not.
One of the best ways to set your lawn up for success during the summer blackout is by getting ahead of it. The months leading up to June are the perfect time to build a strong foundation.
This includes:
By the time the ban begins, your lawn should already be thriving with a strong root system and healthy color. That makes it easier to maintain with permitted products and best practices like proper mowing, watering, and pest control.
Yes, there are consequences for applying banned fertilizers during the blackout period. Hillsborough County can issue:
This isn’t just a slap on the wrist—it’s a way to encourage long-term compliance and community responsibility. Keeping detailed records of your fertilizer purchases and application dates can be helpful if questions arise. And if you're working with a professional lawn care company, make sure they’re staying current on the regulations.
At Green Solutions Lawn Care & Pest Control, we build compliance into every client’s maintenance plan. From record-keeping to product selection, we make sure your yard looks great without risking penalties.
A smart lawn care routine during the fertilizer blackout isn’t just about following rules—it’s about adapting to Florida’s climate and protecting the long-term health of your lawn and environment. Our team knows the ins and outs of Hillsborough County’s restrictions, and we offer proven methods to keep your turf vibrant all year long.
Whether you need a mid-summer nutrient boost, pest control services, or a total soil health overhaul, our team has you covered. We’ll work with you to build a customized plan that follows local regulations, reduces environmental impact, and supports a truly beautiful lawn—even when the heat is on.
Call Green Solutions Lawn Care & Pest Control today to make sure your lawn is thriving and compliant during Hillsborough County’s fertilizer blackout. Our local experts are here to help you choose the right products, prepare your lawn for summer, and avoid costly mistakes. With years of experience in Tampa Bay's climate and regulations, we know how to keep your landscape looking lush—without breaking the rules. Let us take the guesswork out of summer lawn care.
Contact us today and receive a free estimate for any of our lawn care & lawn treatment services. We are Tampa, Florida's number one provider for all lawn care and green pest removal services.
Green Solutions Lawn Care & Pest Control
4002 Garden LnTampa, Florida 33610
Phone: 813-684-7336
Contact Us
Green Solutions is proud to offer our customers over fifty years of industry experience and is confident that we hold the solution to your lawn and pest problems.
Our Staff is readily available to provide lawn and pest assessments and to make sound recommendations.
The best lawn care professionals in Tampa Bay, Florida. I use them every other month, and will continue to!
Mark Hamilton, Customer
March 22, 2013
Already a Customer? Sign In Here