FDOT requires FNGLA certification on landscape jobs

Beginning in 2018, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has mandated all worksite landscape supervisors who directly oversee landscape installation and establishment on FDOT jobs must hold either Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association Certified Landscape Technician (FCLT) or Contractor (FCLC) designations.

“This has introduced a number of engineering firms to FNGLA,” said Merry Mott, director of industry certifications and professional development at FNGLA.

Working ahead of the curve, one of the first companies to certify their employees was KCI Technologies, a Maryland-based engineering, consulting and construction firm. KCI’s Tampa-based Senior Inspector Terrence Waddell and Inspector Adam Chapman looked into earning their FNGLA certifications in 2016.

“Completing both the FCLT and Horticulture Professional Certifications have helped me with field inspections tremendously,” Chapman said, who added that he uses knowledge he gained from getting certified to detect and prevent possible damage and deficiencies of newly planted landscaping on various projects. “It has also enabled me to communicate deficiencies and needed repairs to the contractors in terminology, which prevents any miscommunications.”

In addition to becoming certified themselves, Chapman and Waddell both serve as judges at FNGLA’s Central Florida test site at SeaWorld Horticulture Orlando to provide certification for other industry professionals.

“By staying involved and being a judge for FNGLA’s certification program, it’s a way of giving back and staying current with the program,” Waddell said. “It’s also a way of meeting industry professionals to share their experiences in the field. It’s helpful to observe and forecast trends in the industry.”

Chapman said his association with FNGLA has connected him to very knowledgeable individuals as well.

“While studying for the FCLT exam, everyone was willing to help, and several people took time to walk me through the courses one on one,” he said. “Helping judge and proctor the various certification exam stations connects me with great resources to reach out if I need any advice or recommendations.”

For more information on upcoming FCLT training and exam dates, click here to visit FNGLA’s website.