Water Use Rules in Daytona Beach, FL: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Daytona Beach or are thinking about moving there, water use rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Daytona Beach has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of water use rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Recycled Water Rules

Daytona Beach requires new developments within its reuse master plan area to install a reuse (reclaimed) water irrigation system and record deed restrictions banning potable water for lawn irrigation once reuse service is required. Reuse water itself may only be used for irrigating landscaped areas and aesthetic purposes; any other use needs specific city authorization.

Key details: New development: Reuse irrigation system required, developer-funded. Deed restriction: Bans potable-water irrigation, irrigation meters. Allowed reuse use: Landscape & aesthetic irrigation only. Fee basis: Metered use or per irrigable acre. Nonpayment: Becomes a property lien after 30 days.

Using potable water for irrigation on a lot where a reuse deed restriction applies, using reuse water for anything other than landscape or aesthetic irrigation, or failing to pay the reuse fee violates Chapter 98, Article V. The city can discontinue service, and unpaid reuse charges become a property lien that can be foreclosed after 30 days delinquent.

Leak Reporting Duty

A Daytona Beach customer whose water bill triples because of a hidden leak, not a running toilet, can get a partial refund. Section 98-33 lets Utilities average the three prior months' usage once the customer certifies the leak, provides a plumbing repair bill, and fixes the problem, cutting the water and sewer overcharge.

Key details: Qualifying loss: Bill more than triples average usage. Proof needed: Plumbing repair bill plus written certification. Adjustment method: Averaged from prior 3 months' bills. Running-toilet exclusion: No adjustment if leak entered sewer. Sewer-only option: Once every 12 months.

Claiming a leak abatement without a substantiating plumbing repair bill, or falsely certifying that corrective action was taken, disqualifies the request under Section 98-33(b); the city can deny the adjustment and bill the customer at the full metered rate, and a false certification can be referred to the city attorney as a billing matter.

Daytona Beach is more permissive than most cities when it comes to leak reporting duty. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

Daytona Beach's water use rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Daytona Beach is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Daytona Beach's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.