Rainy Season Reminder: Hold the Fertilizer to Help the Lagoon
Rainy season is just around the corner here in Brevard County, and that means it’s time to start thinking not only about summer storms—but also about how those storms impact our environment. While the rain provides relief from the heat, it also presents a serious risk to one of our most treasured natural resources: the Indian River Lagoon.
Each year from June 1 through September 30, Brevard County bans the use of fertilizer containing nitrogen during the rainy season. This regulation exists for a critical reason. In summer, our frequent downpours can quickly wash fertilizers off lawns, driveways, and landscaped areas into storm drains. From there, those nutrients meant to feed our lawn make their way into the lagoon, where they disrupt the delicate balance of the estuary.
When fertilizers rich in nitrogen and phosphorus enter our waterways, they act like superfood for algae. The result? Harmful algal blooms that cloud the water, block sunlight, and deplete the oxygen that fish, manatees, and other marine life depend on. Without enough light, seagrasses—essential to the lagoon’s health—begin to die off. And when seagrasses vanish, so do the habitats and food sources that support everything from juvenile fish to sea turtles.
The good news? We can take simple steps to help prevent this.
Preparing Your Yard the Lagoon-Friendly Way
With just a few proactive steps, you can create a yard that’s beautiful, resilient, and part of the solution to protect our lagoon.
The first step is understanding what your lawn or garden actually needs. Many homeowners apply fertilizer out of habit, assuming it’s always necessary—but that’s not always the case. That’s why soil testing is one of the smartest moves you can make. A soil test reveals your yard’s pH levels and existing nutrient content, helping you avoid over-fertilization. Soil testing kits are available through the UF/IFAS Soil Testing Laboratory or at your local extension office, and the process is straightforward: gather samples from several areas of your yard, follow the instructions, and mail them in for analysis.
If your soil does need fertilization—and only after the summer ban has ended—it’s important to choose a product that is less harmful to the lagoon. Look for fertilizers with zero phosphorus and at least 50% slow-release nitrogen. These products feed your plants gradually, giving your yard time to absorb the nutrients and reducing the risk of runoff into storm drains. Always check the label for key terms like “slow-release,” “controlled-release,” or “water-insoluble nitrogen” (how to read a label).
But the best fertilizer might be none at all—especially if your yard is planted with native Florida species. Plants like muhly grass, dune sunflower, firebush, and coontie thrive naturally in our local climate. They require less water, fewer chemical inputs, and support the native wildlife that also call the lagoon home. Replacing even small portions of your turfgrass lawn with native groundcovers can make a big impact over time. Not only are these plants low-maintenance, but they also help control erosion and filter stormwater as it runs off your property.
In addition to choosing the right plants, adding a layer of organic mulch around trees and garden beds is another way to make your yard more lagoon-friendly. Mulch helps lock in moisture, suppress weeds, and keep soil in place when the summer rains hit. Just be sure not to pile mulch too close to plant stems or tree trunks—leave a small buffer to avoid rot. You can even make mulch from your own grass clippings—by leaving them on the lawn after mowing, they break down naturally and return nutrients to the soil, acting as a free, lagoon-friendly fertilizer.
Another easy way to make use of summer rain? Install a rain barrel. Capturing rainwater from your roof allows you to reuse it later in your garden, reducing your reliance on municipal water and keeping stormwater out of the drainage system. A single rainstorm can fill a barrel quickly, and installation is simple with help from guides like those from the St. Johns River Water Management District or UF/IFAS instructional videos.
Know the Rules: What the Fertilizer Ban Covers
The Brevard County Fertilizer Ordinance makes it illegal to apply fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorus during the summer rainy season. Additionally, fertilizer must never be applied within 15 feet of any waterbody, and any fertilizer that lands on hard surfaces like sidewalks or driveways must be promptly swept up.
Many cities within the county have their own additional requirements, so it’s wise to double-check your local rules. UF/IFAS maintains an interactive guide that lists fertilizer ordinances by city and county, which you can view here: UF/IFAS Fertilizer Ordinances. Violations can result in fines—but more importantly, they can undermine community-wide efforts to restore and protect the lagoon.
Small Actions, Big Impact
The Indian River Lagoon is one of North America’s most biodiverse estuaries, home to more than 4,400 species of plants and animals, including dolphins, sea turtles, manatees, and countless birds and fish. Each of us has a role to play in protecting this extraordinary ecosystem.
By preparing your yard now and following best practices throughout the summer, you can be part of the solution. Your efforts—whether it’s skipping fertilizer, installing a rain barrel, or planting natives—make a real difference.
Want to take the next step? Join the growing movement of residents making a public commitment to protect the lagoon by taking the Lagoon Loyal pledge. Together, we can keep our waters clean, our wildlife thriving, and our communities strong.
Let’s show up for the lagoon—one yard at a time.
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