Bureau of Compliance Monitoring
Pesticide Compliance
"Helping to Protect Man and the Environment by Ensuring the Safe Use of Pesticides."
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Bureau of Compliance Monitoring, is the state licensing agency in Florida for pesticide applicators who must be licensed to use EPA registered, restricted-use pesticides. We use education, training, and in some cases, enforcement action, to ensure pesticides are used safely and properly.
Pesticides classified for 'restricted use' may be applied only by or under the direct supervision of a certified pesticide applicator. Certified pesticide applicators are properly trained and licensed to handle and apply restricted use pesticides.
In addition to licensing responsibilities, other ways that staff with the Bureau of Compliance Monitoring help to ensure the safe use of pesticides are:It is the philosophy of the Department to combine firm but fair enforcement actions with an educational approach to obtain regulatory compliance. Emphasis is placed on monitoring and education in addition to enforcement. The Bureau of Compliance Monitoring makes federally-mandated protection programs an integral part of all pesticide-related inspections and investigations. Training and educational programs, along with enforcement of regulations, are conducted to support worker safety, groundwater, and endangered species protection programs.
- by performing routine inspections of pesticide manufacturers, distributors and retailers to ensure that restricted-use pesticides are sold only to licensed applicators and that quality storage and labeling standards are followed by manufacturers and distributors;
- by routinely inspecting the facilities and operations of all types of private and commercial pesticide applicators, as well as government agencies that are using pesticides. Inspections include a review of application records and an evaluation of product labels to ensure that use, storage, disposal and safety requirements of pesticides are being followed. These activities are designed to ensure that pesticides are used properly without adverse effects on humans or the environment;
- by immediately investigating reports of pesticide misuse or violations of our regulations (applications by unlicensed applicators, incorrect use, improper storage or unauthorized sale of pesticides);
- by obtaining samples of pesticides for laboratory analysis to ensure that no contaminants are present above legal limits and that guaranteed ingredients are present in amounts identified on the label;
- by regulating chemigation - the application of agricultural chemicals through irrigation systems. The Florida Pesticide Law requires that backflow prevention devices be installed on irrigation systems through which agricultural chemicals are applied. The purpose of the chemigation program is to protect our groundwater from contamination in the event of backflow from the application equipment. Inspections are made to determine if these systems are in compliance with the law and its regulations.
Legal Authority
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), is responsible for enforcing all pesticide regulations and laws, both state and federal. We are responsible for carrying out provisions of the Florida Pesticide Law, Chapter 487, Florida Statutes (F.S.). Through cooperative agreements with the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department also implements provisions of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).
Contact: George Hayslip (George.Hayslip@freshfromflorida.com)
For questions, concerns, complaints or compliments please email us at AESCares@FreshFromFlorida.com
