Commercial Horticulture

Click the button to view our classes and scroll through to find the class you need.

Please check back here or follow us on Facebook (@commhortbroward) for updates and notices of classes.

Contact Donna.Castro@ufl.edu  to be added to our newsletter and receive our most recent updates.

In urban Broward County, horticulture dominates commercial agricultural production. Nursery production, landscape installation, landscape maintenance, and arboriculture account for more than $200 million in annual sales. Hundreds of firms employ thousands of individuals, helping contribute to a strong Broward economy and a beautiful environment.

The commercial horticulture program provides educational classes, workshops, on-site testing, and diagnostic services to help these industries be environmentally friendly, successfully managed, and on the cutting edge of new technologies and issues.  The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) research-based knowledge informs our curriculum and recommendations.

UF/IFAS Commercial Horticulture has a Facebook page!  Please take a moment to check it out, follow and like us:

(While on your Facebook page, type @commhortbroward into the search. Our Programs will also be promoted here.)

We look forward to helping your business become better and more environmentally sustainable.

• Tree Trimmer Training and Testing

  July 1, 2025, marked the sunsetting of the Broward County Tree Trimmer Licensing requirement for tree trimmers in Broward County.  Tree Trimmer licenses will no longer be required; however, many cities and businesses may still require either an ISA certified arborist or a Tree Trimmer certification from UF/IFAS Extension on job sites and for bidding.

  We strongly suggest that those pursing the tree care industry attend our Basic and Advanced Tree Trimmer Classes to be sure they have the required skills and certification to comply with city codes and the ANSI A300.  Also be advised that Broward County tree abuse ordinances still remain in effect and will be enforced.

   We also strongly suggest that those who are serious about the industry pursue becoming an ISA Certified Arborist.

  Our Tree Trimmer and Arborist classes will be listed on Eventbrite.  Please go to the Eventbrite link to sign up.

  Please check back with us here or follow us on Facebook (@commhortbroward) for updates and notices of classes. 

  Please email Giuseppe Di Giacinto with any questions pertaining to the Tree Trimmer Certification: ggiacinto@ufl.edu.

  Please click on the Eventbrite link below to sign up for the next Tree Trimmer classes being offered at this time:

  Upcoming classes -Click here - Scroll through to find the class you need. 

   

   

• Landscape and Nursery Workshops, Seminars and Demonstrations:

  Upcoming Classes

  Schedule updates will be provided on this website and via our commercial horticulture e-newsletter.  To sign up for our e-newsletter

  Landscape Inspector Association of Florida (LIAF) Certification - Note: In order to attend this class and sit for the exam, you must complete an application, be approved and pay applicable fees.  For details, please visit www.landscapeinspectors.org

   

   

   

   

   

   

• Pesticide Applicator Training and Testing

  As of this April 1, 2025, FDACS has a new website licensing portal for all things AES Licensing related.

  If you have not gone to the new portal and created a new ID, then you must do so asap to avoid delays in renewals.  They will no longer be mailing notifications., and the old website and links will no longer work.  NEW FDACS PORTAL

  Beginning October 1, 2025, UF/IFAS Extension will no longer be providing pesticide applicator exams at our facility.  All testing will be via third party testing centers.

  We will, however, still be providing trainings and support as you pursue these valuable licenses through FDACS.  Many of these trainings and classes will grant CEUs for renewing existing licenses.

  To ensure that you are prepared to take the exams, purchase the appropriate manual. Study manuals can be purchased through the IFAS bookstore. 

  Upcoming Training/CEU Classes - Click here - scroll through to find the class you need.

  Updates will be provided on this website and via our commercial horticulture e-newsletter.  Please sign up for our e-newsletter by contacting Donna Castro at donna.Castro@ufl.edu or on our Facebook page (@commhortbroward)

  If you are having problems with FDACS licensing, please contact them directly:  

  Email Donna Castro for additional questions and information: donna.castro@ufl.edu

   

• Green Industry Best Management Practices

  Upcoming Classes - Click here - Scroll through to find the class you need

  Click the Eventbrite link above for a list of our upcoming classes.  Subscribe to our Commhort E-News You Can Use for links to nearby counties offering the GI-BMP, and other timely and important information monthly.

  GI-BMP Certification. Receive training in the Green Industry Best Management Practices required for all lawn and landscape maintenance personnel who apply fertilizer to urban landscapes for hire.

  Successful completion of this training program allows you to qualify for the State of Florida Limited Urban Fertilizer (LUF) Applicator's Certificate. CEU's may be earned by those completing this class who need to renew this and other licenses.  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

• Commercial Pest & Plant Problem Identification & Diagnosis

  If you need assistance identifying an ornamental plant or pest problem, please take several good photos and provide a detailed description.

  Email them to: morf@ufl.edu, or ggiacinto@ufl.edu, or donna.castro@ufl.edu

  We will get back to you at our earliest convenience, usually within the week.

  You can also contact the UF/IFAS Plant Diagnostics Center for questions about plants, weeds, diseases, insects, soil/water, nematodes and other identification.

  DISEASE ALERT:  LETHAL BRONZING BECOMING MORE PRONOUNCED... BE ON THE LOOKOUT.  Please read the document link to become informed about this new threat to our native and non-native palm trees:  Lethal Bronzing

  

• Mission Statement

  To assist the nursery, landscape and pest control industries as well as property managers and stakeholders in making cost-effective and environmentally responsible decisions regarding management of natural resources related to their production operations and environmental landscape management services.