St. Pete-Clearwater Sun

Residents in Sarasota and Manatee counties are now subject to immediate fines for outdoor watering violations — no warning required.

Under current Phase III restrictions mandated by the Southwest Florida Water Management District, homeowners may irrigate only on their assigned day and only during two windows: midnight to 4 a.m. or 8 p.m. to midnight. The restrictions are in effect through July 1, 2026, though officials may extend them if drought conditions persist.

Earlier phases of the drought response focused on education over enforcement, with code officers leaving door hangers as warnings. That approach is no longer an option. “With this Phase III, Southwest Florida Water Management District is requiring us to give a citation without a warning,” said Brooke Bailey, Sarasota County’s public utilities director.

A first violation results in a $100 fine, a second in a $250 fine, and a third in a $500 fine.

The stricter enforcement comes as the region grapples with a deepening drought. The Southwest Florida Water Management District reports a 13.7-inch regional rainfall deficit over the past 12 months, with water levels in aquifers, rivers, and lakes continuing to decline. Public water supplies are described as extremely low for this time of year.

Sarasota County residents are assigned a watering day based on their address: properties ending in 0 or 1 may water on Monday; 2 or 3 on Tuesday; 4 or 5 on Wednesday; 6 or 7 on Thursday; and 8 or 9 on Friday. Low-volume watering of plants and shrubs using micro-irrigation, soaker hoses, or hand watering is allowed any day but must occur before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m.

Homeowners’ associations are prohibited from enforcing deed restrictions or community standards that would require residents to increase their water use.

According to the water management district, outdoor water use accounts for more than half of household water consumption. Residents can report violations in Sarasota County by calling 941-861-6790 or emailing utilitybill@scgov.net.

Follow the St. Pete-Clearwater Sun on Facebook, Google, & X

St. Pete-Clearwater Sun: local St. Pete-Clearwater news at PIE-Sun.com