Difference Between Florida “Lawn And Ornamental” And “Ornamental And Turf” Pesticide Licenses

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) recognizes two different license categories for managing pests on lawn/turf and ornamental plants. The first one is called “Lawn and Ornamental” category, which is classified under Florida Statutes Chapter 482 (Structural), and the second one is called “Ornamental and Turf” category, which is under the Florida Statutes Chapter 487 (Agricultural).

Both categories deal with lawn and ornamental plant pests, however, “Lawn & Ornamental” category allows managing pests on lawn and ornamental plants (lawn, flowers, hedge, trees, shrubs, etc.) which are found around structures (houses, offices, etc.) while the “Ornamental and Turf” category only allows you to treat such plants in plant nurseries and greenhouses, cemeteries, golf courses, parks, and athletic fields. Consequently, an “Ornamental and Turf” licensees cannot legally treat residential and commercial office landscapes and a “Lawn and Ornamental” licensee cannot treat golf courses and cemeteries. These two categories sound very similar which may confuse some pest control licensees.