TAMPA, Fla. — The one-year moratorium on new fertilizer ordinances expired July 1, meaning local municipalities across the state are free again to decide for themselves how to handle rainy season bans.

Worried the legislature would move to extend the moratorium this past legislative session, environmental advocates pushed for it to end without any extensions.

“There was actually a sign-on letter that went to the governor in late February with close to 60 municipalities that essentially said don’t take this any further,” said Rep. Lindsay Cross, a Democrat representing District 60.

“It’s common sense,” said Justin Tramble, Executive Director of Tampa Bay Waterkeeper. “You protect what’s in your backyard.”

Rainy season fertilizer bans in the Tampa Bay Region went into effect June 1 and will continue through Sept. 30.