The UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office is pleased to announce the following Commercial Horticulture programs for May 2025. These programs are being offered by Tatiana Sanchez-Jones, a Commercial Horticulture agent.
Green Industries Best Management Practices (GIBMP) – May 9, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the UF/IFAS Extension Duval County Office (1010 N. McDuff Ave., Jacksonville) with George Richardson, a Commercial Horticulture agent, UF/IFAS Extension Duval County.
The Green Industries Best Management Practices (GIBMP) workshop is a prerequisite for the Limited Commercial Urban Fertilizer license. Participants will learn about water quality and conservation in an urban setting and how professional landscaping practices influence our environment. At the end of the workshop, they will be tested to qualify for their Green Industries Best Management Practices certificate. Passing scores will allow them to apply for their fertilizer license with the State of Florida.
Continuing education units (CEUs) will be available in the following categories: two General Standard Core, two Limited Urban Fertilizer, two Ornamental & Turf, two Limited Lawn and Ornamental, two Limited & Ornamental, and two Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance.
The registration fee of $30.00 (plus $3.85 Eventbrite fee) includes lunch. Participants must register online by the start of class on May 9.
Beekeeping Series: Honey Extraction – May 17, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the UF/IFAS Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory (1881 Natural Area Drive, Gainesville)
This workshop will cover honey extraction from honey bee hives and keeping a healthy hive.
Live bees will be used. Participants should wear protective clothing (closed-toe shoes, long sleeves, or a beekeeping suit).
The registration fee of $20.00 (plus a $3.18 Eventbrite fee) includes materials and refreshments. Participants must register online by May 14. A late fee of $10.00 (plus a $3.85 Eventbrite fee) will be applied after May 14, or if paying at the door. This class is limited to 30 participants. There are no refunds for the registration fee.
If you would like to be added to the beekeeping ListServ for information about upcoming classes, email alachua@ifas.ufl.edu with the subject line "Please add to bee ListServ."
Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance Workshop (LCLM) – May 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Alachua County Ag Auditorium (22716 W. Newberry Road, Newberry)
The Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance Workshop trains commercial landscape maintenance personnel to apply pesticides correctly to ornamentals and plant beds only. Please watch this math prep video before attending the workshop. Class handouts are available online.
Getting the license: The exam for initial certification can be taken after the class. The class will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 12:30 p.m., and the Exams will begin at 1:30 p.m.
This class helps you review the study materials for the test, but sitting for the exam is no longer a requirement. Those wanting to take the exam must apply online. Click on “residential pest control” and then “Exam Signup.” Participants can pay online and then be given a voucher number. Please bring the voucher number to take the exam. Only seven computers are available for testing, so email your voucher number to tatiana.sanchez@ufl.edu if you will be taking the exam after the class to secure your spot. It is recommended that attendees study before testing, as the workshop is a review. Books required are SM 1, SP 499, and SM 82; these are not provided but can be pre-ordered online at the IFAS Bookstore.
License renewal: Up to four CEUs will be available in the following categories: General Standard/Core (Chapters 482 and 487), Ornamental and turf, Limited Lawn and ornamental, Limited Landscape Maintenance, and Commercial Lawn and ornamental.
The registration fee of $30.00 (plus a $3.85 Eventbrite fee) includes refreshments and handouts. Participants must register online by May 20. A late fee of $10.00 (plus a $4.52 Eventbrite fee) will be applied to registrations after May 20 or if paying at the door. The class is limited to 30 participants. There will be no refunds for the registration fee.
For more information about these programs, contact Tatiana Sanchez-Jones at 352-955-2402 or tatiana.sanchez@ufl.edu. Visit the extension office website for additional programs offered by the extension office.
An Equal Opportunity Institution. Extension Service, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Dr. Andra Johnson, UF/IFAS Extension dean. Single copies of extension publications (excluding 4-H and youth publications) are free for Florida residents from county extension offices.
