Water Use Rules in Tampa, FL (2026)
2 verified water use rules for Tampa, Florida, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Turf Replacement Rebates
Tampa encourages Florida-Friendly Landscaping conversions that replace high-water turfgrass with native plants, drought-tolerant species, and efficient irrigation, supported by Tampa Bay Water rebates and protected by Florida Statutes against HOA bans.
Tampa Florida-Friendly Landscaping
Few RestrictionsFla. Stat. § 373.185
373.185 Local Florida-friendly landscaping ordinances. — (1) As used in this section, the term: [...] (b) "Florida-friendly landscaping" means quality landscapes that conserve water, protect the environment, are adaptable to local conditions, and are drought tolerant. The principles of such landscaping include planting the right plant in the right place, efficient watering, appropriate fertiliz...
Recycled Water Rules
Tampa bans reclaimed (recycled) water for drinking, swimming pools, hosing down interior floors, or hooking into another water line. Sec. 26-256 of the City Code lists exactly what reclaimed water customers may and may not do with it, and violations can get service shut off on the spot.
Reclaimed Water Rules in Tampa
Significant RestrictionsCity of Tampa Code § 26-256(a)
The customer shall not allow the reclaimed water to be used for: anything prohibited by law; human or animal consumption, inter-connecting with another water source; recreation or play involving body contact with reclaimed water; use through potable water hose bibs, faucets, quick couplers, etc, filling of swimming pools, or augmenting lake or pond levels.
Looking for Hillsborough County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Tampa city rules.
Water Use Rules in Hillsborough County →