At Floridist, we’re passionate about helping homeowners maintain healthy and beautiful lawns. That’s why we’ve created this guide to highlight the best lawn care products for South Florida. Please note that Floridist is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or incentivized by any of the products, manufacturers, or retailers mentioned here.
When using any lawn care product, it’s crucial to follow label instructions carefully, including application rates, timing, and safety precautions. Many products have yearly maximum application rates, so make sure to plan accordingly to avoid over-application, which could harm your lawn and the environment.
This guide is designed to empower homeowners who want to tackle DIY lawn projects. We’ve included two product recommendations for each category: one for DIY enthusiasts and one for those seeking professional-grade solutions. These choices are based on factors such as cost, effectiveness, ease of use, and suitability for South Florida lawns. This approach ensures there’s an option for every homeowner, and every budget.
Always remember: for larger projects or cases of severe infestations—whether it’s weeds, fungus, or pests—we recommend contacting a professional, such as Floridist. Professionals have the expertise and tools to handle these challenges efficiently and safely.
Best Weed Killers for Florida Lawns
Pre-Emergent Weed Control
DIY: Nitro-Phos Barricade with Prodiamine
Prodiamine works by forming a barrier in the soil that prevents weed seeds from germinating. It is highly effective against common Florida weeds like crabgrass, goosegrass, and annual bluegrass, making it a go-to option for South Florida lawns. Pre-emergent is best applied when the temps change, in the fall and spring, before weeds begin to germinate.
- Price: $30 for a 10 lb bag
- Coverage Area: Up to 5,000 sq ft
- Where to buy: Solutions Pest and Lawn
Professional: Anderson’s Professional Grade Barricade with Prodiamine
This product offers superior weed prevention with its professional-grade formulation of Prodiamine. It provides a longer-lasting barrier compared to DIY options, making it highly effective for larger properties or areas with persistent weed problems. Its smaller particle size ensures even application and better soil coverage, maximizing its efficiency.
- Price: $50 for an 18 lb bag
- Coverage Area: Up to 10,000 sq ft
- Where to buy: Walmart
Post-Emergent Weed Control
DIY: Image Southern Lawn Weed Killer
This post-emergent weed killer uses a combination of penoxsulam, sulfentrazone, 2,4-D, dicamba, and dimethylamine salt, targeting broadleaf weeds like dollarweed and clover. It works by inhibiting photosynthesis in the weeds, effectively killing them without harming St. Augustinegrass and Centipedegrass. Homeowners should apply this product during the early morning or late evening to minimize evaporation. Ensure pets and children are kept off treated areas until the lawn is completely dry.
- Price: $15 for a 32 oz bottle
- Coverage Area: Up to 5,000 sq ft
- Where to buy: Home Depot | Lowe’s
Professional: Celsius WG Herbicide
Celsius WG Herbicide is highly effective in controlling a broad spectrum of tough-to-kill weeds, including crabgrass, spurge, and buttonweed, commonly found in South Florida lawns. It works by inhibiting enzyme pathways essential for weed growth, leading to their gradual death without harming warm-season grasses like St. Augustine and Bermuda grass. Preferred by professionals for its versatility and reliability, this herbicide offers long-lasting results and reduced risk of lawn damage compared to many alternatives.
- Price: $145 for a 10 oz bottle
- Coverage Area: Varies; consult product label
- Where to buy: DoMyOwn.com
Best Fungicides for Florida Lawns
DIY: Scott’s Disease-Ex with Azoxystrobin
This granular product contains Azoxystrobin, a systemic fungicide that moves through the grass blades to provide both preventive and curative action. It disrupts fungal growth by inhibiting critical enzyme pathways, effectively treating diseases like brown patch, dollar spot, and rust.
- Price: $20 for a 10 lb bag
- Coverage Area: Up to 5,000 sq ft
- Where to buy: Home Depot
Professional: Headway Granular Fungicide
This premium fungicide combines two active ingredients, Azoxystrobin and Propiconazole, to deliver comprehensive control of lawn diseases. Azoxystrobin provides systemic protection by inhibiting fungal spore development, while Propiconazole targets existing infections by disrupting fungal cell membranes. Together, they effectively treat and prevent diseases like brown patch, dollar spot, and leaf spot.
- Price: $80 for a 30 lb bag
- Coverage Area: Up to 15,000 sq ft
- Where to buy: Lawn Synergy
Best Insecticides for Florida Lawns
DIY: Spectracide Triazicide
This granular insecticide is highly effective in controlling a wide range of lawn pests, including grubs, ants, chinch bugs, and fleas. It works by targeting the nervous system of insects, leading to their rapid elimination. For optimal safety, water the lawn after application to activate the granules and keep pets and children off the treated area until it has dried completely.
- Price: $15 for a 20 lb bag
- Coverage Area: Up to 12,500 sq ft
- Where to buy: Home Depot
Professional: Lesco Crosscheck Plus
This professional-grade insecticide offers comprehensive pest control, targeting a wide range of pests such as ants, chinch bugs, fleas, and ticks. It works by disrupting the nervous systems of these pests, ensuring rapid elimination and long-term protection for your lawn.
- Price: $60 for a 1-gallon container
- Coverage Area: Varies; consult product label
- Where to buy: Amazon
Best Fertilizers for Florida Lawns
Organic Fertilizers
DIY: Milorganite
Milorganite is a slow-release, organic fertilizer that provides a steady supply of nitrogen to your lawn over time. Its unique composition also includes iron, which helps promote a rich, green color in grass. In addition to feeding your lawn, Milorganite improves soil health by enhancing microbial activity and increasing water retention.
- Price: $15 for a 32 lb bag
- Coverage Area: Up to 2,500 sq ft
- Where to buy: Home Depot | Walmart | Ace Hardware
Professional: Soil Fit 8-0-3 Organic Fertilizer
A high-quality, natural fertilizer designed for professional use. It’s packed with nutrients to promote healthy grass growth.
- Price: $40 for a 40 lb bag
- Coverage Area: Up to 4,000 sq ft
- Where to buy: Yard Mastery
Synthetic Fertilizers
DIY: Sunniland 24-0-11 Professional Grade Fertilizer
This budget-friendly option delivers the nutrients your lawn needs to thrive, ensuring lush and green grass.
- Price: $20 for a 50 lb bag
- Coverage Area: Up to 10,000 sq ft
- Where to buy: Lowe’s
Professional: Yard Mastery Flagship 24-0-6
This premium fertilizer features a nutrient-rich formula with a 24-0-6 NPK ratio, providing a high dose of nitrogen for vigorous growth, no phosphorus to comply with restrictions in some areas, and potassium for improved stress tolerance. Additionally, its iron content enhances chlorophyll production, giving your lawn a lush, deep green appearance.
- Price: $65 for a 45 lb bag
- Coverage Area: Up to 15,000 sq ft
- Where to buy: Yard Mastery
Take Your Florida Lawn to the Next Level
Caring for your South Florida lawn doesn’t have to be a challenge. Whether you prefer the hands-on, DIY route or trust professional-grade products, there are excellent options for weed control, fungus prevention, pest management, and fertilization. By choosing the right products for your needs, you’ll enjoy a beautiful, healthy lawn all year round.