What are Green Industries Best Management Practices?
GI-BMPs teach environmentally safe landscaping practices that help conserve and protect Florida’s ground and surface waters and natural resources. This science-based educational program for Green Industry professionals is brought to you by the UF/IFAS Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ program and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
Where can I find GI-BMP training?
Training classes in English and Spanish are held at Extension offices and other locations around the state, and online using Zoom. Self-paced training is offered online and on DVD.
Is GI-BMP Training Mandatory?
Florida law states that all commercial fertilizer applicators must have a Limited Certification from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) (s. 482.1562, F.S.). To get this certification, each commercial applicator must be trained in the GI-BMPs and receive a certificate of completion from UF/IFAS and Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Local ordinances may require that non-commercial fertilizer applicators also be trained.
Who benefits from GI-BMP training?
- Supervisors and employees in the lawn care, pest control, or landscape industries
- Municipal parks and recreation facility supervisors and employees
- Irrigation industry workers
- Commercial property managers
- City and county planning department staff
- City and county environmental department or water quality staff
- City and county commission staff
- Builders and developers
- Landscape designers and architects
- Golf course employees
- Anyone working in the areas of water quality, urban development, or environmental issues