Frequently Asked Questions About GI-BMP Training
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What is the Green Industries Best Management Practices (GI-BMP) Program?
The science-based GI-BMP Program teaches environmentally responsible landscaping practices that help conserve and protect Florida’s ground and surface waters. This training program was developed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, is endorsed by the pest control industry, and is brought to you by the UF/IFAS Extension’s Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program. The training is available through in-person classes and self-paced online training.
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Who should take the GI-BMP program?
This program is designed to provide Green Industry (landscape and lawn care maintenance) professionals with training in the Best Management Practices.
A GI-BMP training certificate is required in order to apply for the Limited Urban Commercial Fertilizer Applicator Certification (LF certificate) from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). The LF certificate is required for anyone applying fertilizer commercially.
Other individuals who would benefit from this training include corporate, governmental, and environmental agencies, HOA board members, property managers and anyone with an interest in science-based landscape design and management techniques.
Additionally, the GI-BMP Training Certificate may be required by your local county or municipality to register a Lawn-Landscape maintenance company, to do work as part of a maintenance crew, or to do work as an institutional worker. Check with your local Tax Collector or UF/IFAS County Extension office.
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Is the GI-BMP training offered in other languages?
In-person classes and self-paced online training are available in English and Spanish. Go to the GI-BMP Training site to register. In-person classes in Haitian Creole may be scheduled as needed. Email gi.bmp@ifas.ufl.edu to request more information about Haitian Creole training.
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How long does the GI-BMP class take?
In-person classes are usually given as a one-day class lasting between six to eight hours. Class times vary due to different break schedules, local ordinance presentations, Q&A/review time, etc. View the class details on the Statewide Training Schedule to find the start and end times for a specific class.
The online training has about 6 hours of video content, plus required quizzes.
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How much does the GI-BMP training cost?
The cost to attend an in-person class is $30 or less, plus online processing fees. The exact price is set by the local UF/IFAS Extension or other certified GI-BMP instructor offering the training and may vary due to different administrative costs.
The cost for self-paced online training is $15.
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What is a passing score on the exam?
You must achieve at least a 75% correct score in order to receive your GI-BMP certificate.
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How long will it take for me to get my certificate?
For in-person classes, certificates and wallet cards are usually mailed within two weeks of passing the certification test. For self-paced online or DVD training, the certificate is usually sent one or two business days after passing the online certification test.
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How long is the GI-BMP certification good for?
The GI-BMP training certification does not expire. The Limited Urban Commercial Fertilizer Certificate (LF Certificate) from FDACS must be renewed every four years. See How to Renew the LF Certificate for more information.
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What CEUs are needed to renew my Limited Urban Fertilizer License?
Renewal of the Limited Commercial Fertilizer Applicator Certificate (fertilizer license) requires four CEUs total: two 482 CORE and two Limited Urban Fertilizer (LF) category.
Most GI-BMP in-person classes and live, instructor-led online classes (via Zoom) provide all four CEU's required to renew the fertilizer license, but you should check before attending to be sure CEUs will be awarded for that class. Note that the self-paced GI-BMP online training does NOT provide CEUs.
See also: How to Renew the LF Certificate - Options for Required CEUs
