Developing a Florida-Friendly Landscaping~(TM) Certification Program for Code Enforcement

摘要

Many extension clients require certifications to do their jobs,such as landscapers and pesticide and fertilizer applicators. One such clientele group, Code Enforcement Officers, is not equipped with the proper knowledge to make a determination about what constitutes a Florida-Friendly Landscape. Many citizens believe their landscape to be Florida-Friendly when in fact it does not fit the definition. This can create friction with homeowner associations, city/county ordinance, and neighbor disputes, and then Code Enforcement Officers are expected to intervene. Without adequate training on the nine principles of the Florida-Friendly Landscaping~(TM) (FFL) program, Code Enforcement Officers are then left to interpret code and issue orders without the proper training. The purpose of this project was to educate and certify Code Enforcement Officers, who are then able to communicate more effectively and educate residents that have landscape issues. This new clientele base will be able to better serve thecitizens, make appropriate FFL determinations, and communicate more effectively with extension faculty and staff about new issues that should be addressed through extension education. This hybrid certification program will incorporate six online modulesas well as hands on, in the field training with extension faculty. The certification program will be piloted in Pasco County then serve as a model for other extension offices across the state of Florida and eventually the nation.