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Year-Round Watering Restrictions

According to Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Chapter 40D-22, the following restrictions apply to all water sources year round.

You can the find up-to-date watering schedule and New Plant Material (Lawn & Landscaping) Establishment Period Irrigation Exemption information on our Watering Schedule and Rules page.

Washing Windows, Buildings & Mobile Homes

Using water for windows, buildings or mobile homes is allowed, but low-volume watering methods should be used. Hosing down a building or structure to remove material that could be done with an alternative method is considered wasteful.

Washing Sidewalks & Driveways

Hosing off sidewalks and driveways is allowed, but low-volume watering methods should be used. Hosing down a driveway or surface to remove debris that could be swept with a broom or dry method is considered wasteful.

Washing Vehicles

You are allowed to wash your vehicle if necessary on any day or time; however, you must use a shut-off nozzle or water-efficient device.

Trees, Shrubs, Flowers & Vegetables

Hand-watering is allowed as needed if a shut-off nozzle or other water efficient device is used.

Lawn Chemicals

Chemical applications can be watered on your lawn during authorized watering hours. Watering-in is limited to one application of one-quarter inches within 24 hours of the application or per manufacturer’s instructions. If applied by a professional, a sign with the date of application is required on site. Report chemical applications to (727) 464-4000.

Low-Volume Irrigation Devices

Landscaping (groundcover other than your lawn) may be watered as needed if low-volume irrigation technology is used. In this case, you do not have to follow the watering schedule.

Irrigation System Testing & Repair

You can operate your irrigation system for maintenance and repair no more than once a week for up to 10 minutes. You must have someone on-site monitoring the testing.

Wasteful & Unnecessary Use of Water

The following wasteful and unnecessary water uses are prohibited:

  • Leaving a hose on unattended;
  • Hosing down a driveway, solid surface or structure when another method could be used;
  • Hand-watering a lawn on a restricted day or more than once a day, except when used for spot treatment;
  • Not fixing an irrigation or plumbing issue, like broken sprinkler heads or outdoor faucets, after receiving a verbal or written notice; and,
  • Watering during or after rainfall. It is required for irrigation systems to have an operating rain sensor or soil moisture sensing device installed. This system allows you to bypass irrigation cycles when your lawn is watered sufficiently.