Florida is witnessing a growing trend of counties and cities implementing restrictions on residential pesticide use, particularly focusing on glyphosate-based products such as Roundup. These measures are part of a broader movement across the United States to address health and environmental concerns associated with chemical herbicides.
While glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, is not banned in the U.S., its safety continues to be debated. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that glyphosate poses no risk to human health when used according to its label. Similarly, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has not rescinded its approval of glyphosate.
However, the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies glyphosate as a probable carcinogen. Research indicates potential links between prolonged or high-level exposure to glyphosate and an increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and other cancers.
Several states have taken steps to prohibit or restrict the use of glyphosate on public property, including New York. A number of municipalities in California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Mexico, and Washington have followed suit, reflecting mounting concerns over glyphosate's safety.
In Florida, various cities and counties have enacted their own restrictions:
At Home:
- Fort Myers Beach: The city has banned Roundup.
- Miami: Announced a city-wide ban on glyphosate-based herbicides in February 2019.
- Satellite Beach: Unanimously approved a resolution banning city and contractor use of glyphosate-based herbicides.
- Sebastian: Banned all herbicide and pesticide use near stormwater areas for one year and restricted glyphosate use near local parks for 120 days.
- Stuart: City commissioners voted to ban glyphosate and implement an integrated pest control plan aimed at reducing and eventually eliminating chemical use.
In Your Community:
-Indian River County: Stopped using glyphosate in city parks and on a public golf course.
- Jupiter: Passed an ordinance banning Roundup spraying on town property.
- Key West: The City Commission banned the use of Roundup on city-owned property, partly influenced by a $2.055 billion jury verdict in California.
- Martin County: Instituted a Roundup ban for all county employees and contractors on county projects.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has also ceased using aquatic herbicides, including glyphosate, in state waters while it gathers public input on the issue. This suspension underscores the growing scrutiny and precautionary measures being taken at various levels of government. As awareness of the potential health and environmental impacts of glyphosate continues to grow, more Florida municipalities are enacting bans and restrictions on its use. These local actions reflect a cautious approach towards pesticide application, aiming to safeguard public health and the environment while exploring safer alternatives for pest management.