Cocoa Beach Fertilizer Ban Starts June 1

Cocoa Beach residents must stop using nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers from June 1 through September 30 under a new Brevard County and city ordinance designed to protect the Indian River Lagoon.

Summer rains wash excess nutrients from fertilizers into storm drains and canals, triggering algae blooms that kill fish, destroy seagrass, and degrade water quality. The ban applies to all lawns and landscapes throughout the city, including neighborhoods that feed into the lagoon through stormwater systems.

Residents must keep fertilizer at least 15 feet from waterways and sweep it off sidewalks and driveways rather than hosing it into streets. They should avoid fertilizing before heavy rain.

Outside the ban period, the city recommends using fertilizers with at least 50 percent slow-release nitrogen and zero phosphorus. Other practices that protect the lagoon include planting native or drought-tolerant species, reducing irrigation runoff, and keeping grass clippings out of storm drains.

Residents can find ordinance details and frequently asked questions through city channels. Report stormwater concerns to city officials.