With annual red tides acting as an incentive, new Sarasota County fertilizer measures will regulate exactly how much and what kind its 370,000 residents use, setting a model as the first population-heavy area of Florida to enact such laws. Less-congested areas, such as Sanibel, already have regulations in place regarding fertilizer runoff. The new rules go into effect in February 2008.

The new regulations include a “fertilizer-free” zone within 10 feet of any body of water, and a voluntary "low maintenance zone" within six feet of water bodies. New rules also prohibit residents from applying fertilizers that contain nitrogen or phosphorus between June 1 and Sept. 30. During the rainy season, fertilizers are particularly susceptible to flowing into Florida’s waterways, and unintentionally the aquifer. Maximum levels were set for the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers can contain. And the county recommends using "slow-release fertilizers," citing research that its effects on the environment are less detrimental.

The county approved its rules after more than a year of meetings and public hearings, and both environmentalists and fertilizer industry representatives believe other locales will follow suit. Charlotte and Manatee counties are considering adopting similar rules, as are the city of Jacksonville and Hillsborough County. The new rules also require fertilizer application companies to create a training course. Penalties for violators start with a warning and rise to $500 after a third offense.