MELBOURNE, Fla. (AP) - It is now illegal to use fertilizers on lawns in most areas of Brevard County.
Florida Today (https://on.flatoday.com/1tzDoCs ) reports that the new rainy season fertilizer blackout began Sunday and will continue through Sept. 30.
The fertilizer ban does not apply to Melbourne or Melbourne Beach. Local governments enacted the rainy-season fertilizer blackout period to give the Indian River Lagoon a respite from the nitrogen and phosphorus influx that fuels toxic algae blooms.
Violators could face fines of up to $500, but officials say they hope to teach homeowners how to keep their lawns healthy without using fertilizers rather than levying fines.
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