St. Petersburg vs Tarpon Springs
How do water restrictions rules compare between St. Petersburg, FL and Tarpon Springs, FL?
Tarpon Springs has fewer restrictions than St. Petersburg.
St. Petersburg, FL
Pinellas County
St. Petersburg follows the SWFWMD water shortage order with a once-a-week irrigation schedule for potable and well water users, with citations starting at $193 per violation.
View full St. Petersburg rules →Tarpon Springs, FL
Pinellas County
Tarpon Springs limits lawn irrigation to one day per week based on address, with no watering allowed between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., enforced under Chapter 20 of the city code in coordination with SWFWMD restrictions.
View full Tarpon Springs rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | St. Petersburg | Tarpon Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Schedule | Once per week | - |
| Even days | Tue/Sat | - |
| Odd days | Wed/Sun | - |
| First fine | $193 | - |
| Authority | SWFWMD + Ch. 27 | - |
| Watering days | - | One day per week |
| Daytime ban | - | 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. |
| Large lots | - | Two-acre special hours |
| Code chapter | - | Chapter 20 water and sewer |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
St. Petersburg FAQ
Can I water my new sod in St. Petersburg during restrictions?
Yes. New plants and turf may be watered any day for the first 30 days, then three days per week through day 60, before reverting to the standard once-weekly schedule.
Do reclaimed water users follow the same schedule?
No. St. Petersburg reclaimed water customers follow a separate schedule managed by the City's Reclaimed Water program and are generally not subject to the SWFWMD potable schedule.
Tarpon Springs FAQ
When can I water my lawn in Tarpon Springs?
Once per week on the day assigned to your address, and never between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Hand watering and micro-irrigation are typically exempt.
What if I have new sod or plants?
New plantings have a temporary establishment period with expanded watering allowances, but property owners should follow SWFWMD and city establishment-period rules.
Who enforces the watering rules?
Tarpon Springs Code Enforcement and the Public Services Department enforce the schedule, often working alongside SWFWMD compliance officers.
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