According to the state, the change would protect water quality due to the fact that even small amounts of phosphorous and nitrogen negatively impact Florida?EUR??,,????'???s bodies of water.

An excess of phosphorous can cause an increase in plant and algae growth that releases more oxygen as it decomposes and kills fish. Also, blue-green algae blooms can release toxins into water that hurt animals and humans if they were to consume it. Nitrogen in drinking water in high amounts, more than 10 milligrams of nitrate per liter of water, can also be detrimental to humans.

The rule could go into effect as early as this spring, and assuming it does, the only products that would be approved for sale for consumer landscape use will be no- or low-phosphate fertilizers.