Water Restrictions: Sarasota vs Venice
How do water restrictions rules compare between Sarasota, FL and Venice, FL?
Sarasota and Venice have similar restriction levels.
Sarasota, FL
Sarasota County
The City of Sarasota observes the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) year-round watering restrictions: two days per week for residential addresses (even-odd schedule) typically before 10:00 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m. SWFWMD can declare additional Phase I-IV drought restrictions tightening the schedule further.
View full Sarasota rules →Venice, FL
Sarasota County
Venice is in the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) which limits residential lawn irrigation to two days per week year-round under SWFWMD Rule 40D-22 and Sarasota County Code Ch. 70.
View full Venice rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Sarasota | Venice |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | SWFWMD year-round restrictions | SWFWMD Rule 40D-22 |
| Frequency | 2 days per week | - |
| Forbidden Hours | 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. | - |
| Schedule | Address-based (odd/even/no number) | - |
| Exempt | Hand-watering, micro-irrigation, reclaimed | - |
| Odd Address Days | - | Wed + Sat |
| Even Address Days | - | Thu + Sun |
| Banned Hours | - | 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. |
| Hand-Water | - | Anytime with shut-off nozzle |
| Penalty | - | Up to $500/day |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Sarasota FAQ
When can I water my lawn in Sarasota?
Twice a week before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. under SWFWMD year-round rules. Odd-ending addresses water Wed/Sat; even or no-number Thu/Sun; reclaimed-water customers Tue/Fri.
Can my HOA force me to maintain a green lawn during drought?
Florida's Florida-Friendly Landscaping statute (F.S. §373.185) preempts HOA restrictions that prevent water-conserving landscaping. HOAs cannot require lawn watering that violates SWFWMD restrictions.
Venice FAQ
When can I water my Venice lawn?
Two days per week based on address: odd-number addresses Wednesday and Saturday, even-number Thursday and Sunday, before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
Can I use a sprinkler during a drought?
Severe-drought Phase II restrictions may limit you to one day per week. Check the SWFWMD watering-restrictions page for the current phase.
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