CS/CS/CS/HB 967 (Truenow) requires the turfgrass science program at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), in coordination with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), to administer a certification for golf course best management practices (BMPs) to ensure compliance with fertilizer BMPs. It requires UF/IFAS to provide training and testing certification programs and to issue certifications demonstrating completion of such programs. Certification expires four years after the date of issuance, with recertification available upon completion of additional continuing education. Persons certified in golf course BMPs are exempt from additional local government training and testing and exempt from local ordinances relating to water and fertilizer use, blackout periods or restrictions unless a state of emergency is declared. The bill also encourages UF/IFAS to create an online registry of certified persons. CS/CS/HB 967 passed the House (112-1) and the Senate (38-0) and is awaiting action by the Governor. (O’Hara)