Learn about regulations governing aircraft used for the aerial application of pesticides, fertilizer and seed in Florida.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has established regulations governing aircraft used for the aerial application of pesticides, fertilizer and seed. FDACS has also established requirements for the secure storage of pesticides and fertilizer used by aerial applicators.
All aircraft used to apply or dispense any pesticide, fertilizer or seed product in Florida must be registered annually with FDACS using the Aircraft Registration Application form [ Adobe PDF Document ]. Completed forms should be submitted to the Pesticide Certification Section as directed on the form. No registration fee is required.
| Type of Registration | Insurance or Surety Bond Required? | Expiration Date |
|---|---|---|
| Application of Agricultural Pesticides | Yes Insurance: $100,000 in property damage coverage and $300,000 in bodily injury coverage per occurrence Surety Bond: $100,000 | Same as expiration of the insurance policy or surety bond, or up to one year from issue date |
| Application of Public Health (Mosquito Control) Pesticides | No | June 30 |
| Application of Fertilizer/Seed Products | No | One year from issue date |
| Multiple Registrations: Application of Agricultural Pesticides and Public Health Pesticides | Yes Insurance: $100,000 in property damage coverage and $300,000 in bodily injury coverage per occurrence Surety Bond: $100,000 | Same as expiration of the insurance policy or surety bond, or up to one year from issue date |
| Multiple Registrations: Application of Agricultural Pesticides and Fertilizer/Seed Products | Yes Insurance: $100,000 in property damage coverage and $300,000 in bodily injury coverage per occurrence Surety Bond: $100,000 | Same as expiration of the insurance policy or surety bond, or up to one year from issue date |
| Multiple Registrations: Application of Public Health Pesticides and Fertilizer/Seed Products | No | June 30 |
Florida law requires all aircraft used to apply or dispense any pesticide, fertilizer, or seed to be secured when not in use. Secured when not in use means:
Florida law requires all pesticides and fertilizers on the premises owned or controlled by any aerial applicator to be stored and maintained so they are not accessible to unauthorized persons. Secured storage means:
Buildings used to store pesticides and/or fertilizers must be of rigid construction so unauthorized entry cannot be achieved without the use of heavy machinery or equipment. If a portable building is used, the building must be secured in place so it cannot be towed or otherwise removed by unauthorized persons.
FDACS representatives are authorized to inspect aircraft required to be registered with FDACS for application of agricultural products. Inspections may take place during normal working hours without prior notification or as determined necessary when an emergency has been declared. Inspections focus on equipment relating to aerial application and whether all law and rule requirements have been met.
During an emergency declared by the Florida Governor or Commissioner of Agriculture, aerial applicators must keep records relating to the aerial application of all pesticides, fertilizers and seed. This is required by Florida law and regulations. Records must contain the following information:
This information must be maintained for a period of two years from application in a manner that is accessible by FDACS on request.
Any purchase, sale, rental, leasing or transfer of ownership of an aircraft used for application of any pesticide, fertilizer or seed must be reported to FDACS within 24 hours of the transaction. The report must be faxed to (850) 617-7895 or delivered to the Pesticide Certification Section at 3125 Conner Blvd., Bldg. 8, Tallahassee, FL, on one of the following forms:
