Green Industries Best Management Practices, August 20th, 2025

Green Industries Best Management Practices (GI-BMPs) Explained

GI-BMPs are strategic guidelines created to encourage practices within the landscaping industry that are safe for the environment, particularly focusing on the preservation of Florida's ground and surface water resources. These practices are underpinned by scientific principles and knowledge from green industry professionals and are provided through a collaborative effort by the UF/IFAS Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ program and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. They are aimed specifically at professionals within the Green Industry.

Mandatory GI-BMP Training

Since January 1, 2014, Florida law mandates that all commercial fertilizer applicators must be certified with the Limited Urban Fertilizer License by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) (refer to statute s. 482.1562, F.S.). To achieve this certification, it's required to successfully complete the GI-BMP training and receive a certificate of completion issued by both UF/IFAS and FDEP. Be aware that certain local laws may impose additional obligations, highlighting the importance of obtaining this certification promptly.

Event Details:

- **Training Schedule**: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.

- **Location**:Wildwood Community Center, Lincoln Room

- **Testing Opportunity**: Post-class, participants seeking their Limited Urban Fertilizer license will have the opportunity to take the GI-BMP test.

- **Lunch**: Provided (specify any dietary needs during registration).

- **Registration**: Closes 5 days before the scheduled class.

Certification and Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

- **GI-BMP Certificate**: Attaining at least a 75% score grants the GI-BMP Certificate, qualifying one for the FDACS Limited Commercial Urban Fertilizer Certificate.

- **CEUs**: Solely needing CEUs results in a CEU Record of Attendance via email, with no test required.

- **CEU Details**: Available categories include 2 CORE and 2 specific Category CEUs for the below licenses, encompassing both general and specific landscaping and pest control certifications.

Category CEUs

• LIMITED CERTIFICATION COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPE MAINT. 2
• LIMITED URBAN FERTILIZER 2
• LIMITED CERTIFICATION LAWN AND ORNAMENTAL 2
• PRIVATE APPLICATOR AG PEST CONTROL 2
• ORNAMENTAL AND TURF PEST CONTROL 2
• COMMERCIAL LAWN AND ORNAMENTAL 2

CORE CEUs

• 487 GENERAL STANDARDS/CORE 2
• 482 GENERAL STANDARDS/CORE 2

Recommended Participants

This training is designed for a broad audience within related industries, including:

- Lawn care, pest control, or landscape industry workers and supervisors.

- Municipal parks, recreation staff, and irrigation workers.

- Commercial property managers.

- Government planning, environmental, or water quality staff.

- Construction sector professionals, including builders, developers, landscape designers, architects.

- Golf course personnel.

- Individuals engaged in the fields of water quality, urban development, or environmental conservation.

For additional details on the GI-BMP program and to find more training dates, please visit the GI-BMP Program website at https://gibmp.ifas.ufl.edu/.

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