Gadsden County News Service
In Gadsden County, we have approximately 85 certified pesticide applicators, according to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). Those licensed applicators have likely already received notification about upcoming changes to the pesticide certification testing process and the FDACS licensing website. However, in case it was missed, here’s what all current and future pesticide license applicators need to know.
- Changes to the Testing Process
Effective immediately, all pesticide certification exams offered at county Extension offices will now be administered electronically, on a computer (no more paper tests).
Beginning October 1, 2025, pesticide certification testing will no longer be available at UF/IFAS County Extension Offices. The sole provider of exams in Florida will be FDACS, through Everblue, either remotely or in-person. Our nearest Everblue location will be Tallahassee State College in Tallahassee.
- New FDACS Website for Pesticide Licensing
FDACS has launched a new website to support pesticide license holders and applicants. We highly recommend visiting the site at https://aeslicensing.fdacs.gov/Licenses/to familiarize yourself with the new layout and features. This website will house all the information you need to keep your license current. You will need to log in and create an account to access your license information, submit applications, and license renewal.
Please note: Renewal notifications will no longer be sent by mail. All reminders will now come by email only.
What Does This Mean for You?
- Action Required: If you need to renew or apply for a new pesticide license, please visit the new FDACS website (https://aeslicensing.fdacs.gov/Licenses/) to submit your application and complete the necessary steps.
- Testing Changes: With the new electronic testing system, we encourage you to be sure to earn your CEUs throughout the licensing period. This way, you can recertify through CEUs instead of retaking the exam.
- If you or someone you know needs to obtain a pesticide license, we encourage you to reach out to our office to schedule before September 30th, while UF/IFAS is still administering exams.
Upcoming Training Opportunity
To help applicators prepare and earn CEUs before the testing changes take effect, the Gadsden County Extension Office will host a Pesticide Training Series September 8th – 11th. This four-day training includes category-specific CEUs sessions and an exam review on September 11th with proctored on-site testing. For more information on the training or to register, please visit: https://2025bigbendpesticide.eventbrite.com
Tips for a Smooth Transition
- Create your account on the new FDACS licensing site now so you’re ready when it’s time to renew your pesticide license!
- Helpful tip: Save your FDACS login email, password, and license number in a contact on your phone. This way you’ll have it when you need it.
If you have any questions or need help navigating the changes, please contact the Gadsden County Extension Office at 850-875-7255. We know that these changes may require some adjustment, but we are here to help navigate you through the process!
Danielle Williams is the commercial horticulture agent for University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension Gadsden County.
