Port St. Lucie, FL Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

To protect the North Fork of the St. Lucie River and the St. Lucie Estuary, the City Council adopted a stricter fertilizer ordinance on March 24, 2014 that regulates landscape practices and the use of fertilizers containing nitrogen and phosphorus. Key requirements: no fertilizer containing nitrogen and/or phosphorus (phosphate) may be applied to turf or landscape plants from June 1 to September 30 each year; during the non-restricted season (October 1 to May 31) nitrogen fertilizer must contain at least 50% slow-release nitrogen; no phosphorus fertilizer may be applied any time of year unless a soil test shows a deficiency; no fertilizer may be applied within 10 feet of the top of bank of any water surface, the landward edge of a seawall, or a wetland; and no application may be made when a flood, tropical storm, or hurricane watch/warning is forecast or more than 2 inches of rain is expected. Residents are encouraged to convert lawns to Florida-Friendly Landscapes and use the UF/IFAS Florida Yards and Neighborhoods handbook. Commercial fertilizer applicators must hold a Limited Commercial Fertilizer Applicator Certificate from FDACS (per Florida Statute 482.1562) and complete the GI-BMP training to obtain or renew a city Business Tax Receipt.