SWFWMD Watering Rules in Pinellas County

Pinellas County homeowners can water their lawns 2 days per week under current SWFWMD (Southwest Florida Water Management District) rules. Your assigned days depend on your street address — odd-numbered addresses water Wednesday and Saturday, even-numbered addresses water Thursday and Sunday. Watering is only allowed before 10 AM or after 4 PM.

These restrictions apply year-round, not just during drought conditions. Understanding the rules — and the exceptions — helps you maintain a healthy lawn without risking fines that start at $118 per violation.

The Current 2-Day-Per-Week Schedule

SWFWMD's year-round water conservation measures for Pinellas County work as follows:

• Odd street addresses (ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, 9): Water on Wednesday and Saturday
• Even street addresses (ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, 8): Water on Thursday and Sunday
• Non-residential, HOA common areas, and mixed-use: Water on Tuesday and Friday
• Allowed hours: Before 10:00 AM or after 4:00 PM (no midday watering)
• Duration: No more than 1 hour per zone per watering day

These apply to all automatic irrigation systems. Hand-watering with a hose and nozzle is allowed any day, any time — but it is not practical for maintaining an entire lawn.

New Sod Variance: How to Get Extra Watering

When you install new sod, the standard 2-day schedule is not enough for establishment. New sod needs daily watering for the first 2 weeks. SWFWMD provides a temporary variance for this.

Here is how the new sod variance works:

• Duration: 30 days from date of installation (may be extended to 60 days in some cases)
• Frequency: Daily watering allowed during the variance period
• How to apply: Contact SWFWMD at 1-800-423-1476 or apply online at WaterMatters.org. You will need your address, approximate square footage of new sod, installation date, and installer name.
• Processing time: Typically approved within 1-2 business days
• Cost: Free — no fee for the variance application
• Documentation: Keep your installer invoice and variance confirmation in case you receive a notice during the establishment period

At Hound Dog Landscaping, we help our sod installation clients apply for this variance as part of the installation process. We can submit the application on your behalf the same day we install.

Smart Controller Exemptions

If your irrigation system uses a WaterSense-labeled smart controller (also called an ET-based or weather-based controller), you may qualify for an exemption from the 2-day schedule. Here is how it works:

• Eligible controllers: Must carry the EPA WaterSense label and automatically adjust watering based on weather data, soil moisture, or evapotranspiration (ET) calculations
• What the exemption allows: Watering on any day, any time — as long as the smart controller is managing the schedule (not set to manual override)
• How to qualify: Register your smart controller with your local utility (St. Petersburg Water Resources) and provide proof of installation
• Important caveat: During declared water shortage emergencies (drought), smart controller exemptions may be suspended and all properties return to the restricted schedule

Smart controllers cost $200 to $500 installed and typically reduce water usage by 20 to 40 percent compared to a basic timer. They are one of the best investments you can make for both lawn health and water bill savings. Ask about smart controller upgrades with any irrigation installation project.

Fines for Violations

Water restriction enforcement in Pinellas County is taken seriously. Violations are typically reported by neighbors or observed by utility patrols. The fine structure is:

• First offense: Written warning (no fine)
• Second offense: $118 fine
• Third offense: $236 fine
• Subsequent offenses: Fines increase, and water service may be restricted

Common violations include watering on the wrong day, watering during restricted hours (10 AM to 4 PM), irrigation running during or immediately after rainfall, and water flowing onto sidewalks or streets (runoff).

Rain Sensor Requirements

Florida law (Section 373.62, Florida Statutes) requires all automatic irrigation systems installed after 1991 to have a functioning rain sensor or soil moisture sensor. This is not optional — it is state law.

• What it does: Automatically shuts off your irrigation when rainfall reaches approximately 0.5 inches
• Installation location: Mounted in an open area where it receives natural rainfall (not under eaves, trees, or overhangs)
• Maintenance: Check annually — the expansion disc degrades over time and may need replacement every 3-5 years
• Cost: $50 to $150 installed for a basic wireless rain sensor

If your system does not have a rain sensor, it is both illegal and wasteful. We can add one during any irrigation service call.

How to Water Effectively Within Restrictions

Two days per week is enough to maintain a healthy lawn in St. Petersburg — if you water correctly. The key is deep, infrequent watering rather than light, frequent sprinkling.

• Run each zone 45 to 60 minutes: This puts down approximately 0.75 to 1 inch of water, which penetrates 6 to 8 inches deep into sandy Florida soil
• Water before sunrise: Starting at 4 or 5 AM minimizes evaporation and gives grass time to dry before evening (reducing disease pressure)
• Check coverage uniformity: Place tuna cans or rain gauges across your lawn. After running a zone, they should all have roughly the same amount of water. Uneven coverage is the most common cause of brown patches.
• Adjust seasonally: In winter (November through February), most established lawns in St. Pete need only 1 day per week or even less. The 2-day schedule is a maximum, not a requirement.
• Skip watering after rain: Your rain sensor should handle this automatically, but if it is malfunctioning, manually skip irrigation for 2-3 days after any significant rainfall

Need help optimizing your irrigation system for maximum efficiency within SWFWMD rules? Learn about our water management services or read our sod care guide for watering schedules specific to new installations.