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, Zoom, DVD and self-paced online training formats.
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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.
This training program is required in order to apply for the Limited Urban Commercial Fertilizer Applicator Certification (LF license) from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). The LF license 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 Program offered in other languages?
Currently the GI-BMP Program is available in English and Spanish. We are developing the training program in Haitian Creole and hope to have this available in the near future.
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How long does the GI-BMP class take?
While it may vary slightly from region to region, you should plan for the class to last six to eight hours.
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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?
Certificates and wallet cards are mailed or emailed within two weeks of your completing the training and passing the certification test at an in-person or live online (Zoom) class. 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 certification does not expire. The Limited Urban Commercial Fertilizer Certificate from FDACS must be renewed every four years.
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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