Worker Protection Standard Train-the-Trainer Class July 22, 2025

 

Do you need to train agricultural workers to comply with the EPA's Worker Protection Standards (WPS) for their employment?  If so, you will either need to have a current Private Applicator License or a WPS Trainer Certificate to properly train them.  UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County is offering a WPS Train-the-Trainer Class so you can be compliant with the Florida Department of Ag and Consumer Services in training agriculture employees. The nice thing about the WPS TTT certificate is that it never requires renewal with CEUs.  Once you have it, it is good for life (or at least until the government changes the WPS). The class will be offered on July 22 at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Balm, FL.  If you are interested, just click on this link for more information and the registration forms.  WPS -TTT CLass Info Lunch will be included with the class. If you have further questions, please call Agent Caitlin Sollazzo in Manatee County Extension (941) 722-4524.   

Changes at FDACS Pesticide License Websites and Updates

 

FDACS Pesticide Website Update Coming

FDACS is in the process of modernizing and updating their databases and web pages related to pesticide licensing. Consequently, there will be major changes to the look, feel, and location of the FDACS website. The update is set to launch very soon, in late March/early April.  

FDACS web pages to be combined

The following separate web pages will all be combined into a single website and all their functions will be found in one place.

• https://aesecomm.fdacs.gov/  - Application process, testing vouchers, and forms.
• https://aessearch.fdacs.gov/  - Public database search for license numbers, pesticide business locations, CEUs, and other public database information.
• https://ceu.fdacs.gov/  - Database for CEU program providers—this may affect county Extension offices the most; see section below on legacy web pages.
• https://fumigation.fdacs.gov/  - Fumigation notification form.

 All of these web pages will soon be housed in a single location. UF/IFAS will share the address of the website as soon as it is available.

Website Navigation

• Upon first visit to the new website, all users will need to register with an email and create a password. Remember this password. Users will need it anytime they access the site.
• FDACS will provide the specifics of the website’s layout and functionality. Tutorials may also be forthcoming from FDACS in the near future.
• UF/IFAS will develop materials and be prepared to assist with navigating the new FDACS website just as soon as we have been granted access.

Important Dates

March 28^th all FDACS websites related to pesticides will be shut down to turn on the new platform. The new platform will turn on April 1^st. This means: 

• NO exams can be scheduled March 28^th – March 31^st
• NO exams can be completed or hosted March 28^th – March 31^st
• NO data on vouchers, CEUS, anything pesticide related will be accessible March 28^th – March 31^st
• April 1^st the new website turns on and we should be good to resume testing as per normal procedures

All questions about the website and its functionality should be directed to FDACS:

AESCares@FDACS.gov  

1-850-617-7997

What happens to legacy web pages?

1. The Public Database searches will be live and all historical data will be maintained for stakeholders in read-only format.
2. All previously uploaded CEU attendance records will be accessible by FDACS and used to confirm CEU renewal where applicable.
3. Over the next weeks after launch, all the previously approved CEU programs will be migrated into the new system. This will make them accessible to CEU providers and stakeholders alike.
4. It is imperative that you ensure you email and information in the current system is up-to-date AND you will need to make sure it matches when you log in to the NEW system.

What about Vouchers in the system?

All vouchers that are unused before the shutoff of the old FDACS websites on March 28^th will no longer be valid on April 1^st. If you have anyone scheduled currently for exams in your office that occur after March 28^th, you should let your testers know they will need new vouchers.

 

• Chapter 482 vouchers WILL be reissued BUT only if the examinee contacts FDACS directly

• People will miss this information and we will have to help people either call FDACS to get it reissued or for chapter 487 and 388 vouchers, perhaps just get a new voucher

• ALL vouchers unused by March 28^th will be invalid. All vouchers from April 1^st moving forward will be in the new system

I hope this isn't too confusing to you and all of us at UF/IFAS are learning alongside with you with all the FDACS website changes.  If I can help in any way, please let me know.