Broward County encourages residential rain barrels and cisterns, offering rebates and requiring only standard plumbing permits for potable-system connections.
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Broward County as a best management practice under the SFWMD and the Broward Water Resources Task Force. Residential rain barrels under 100 gallons require no permit and are exempt from building review. Cisterns over 100 gallons or those connected to indoor plumbing require a plumbing permit and backflow prevention device to protect the potable-water supply. Broward County Environmental Protection offers periodic rain-barrel workshops and discounted barrels through the NatureScape Broward program. Harvested water is permitted for irrigation, toilet flushing (with treatment), and car washing. It cannot be used as potable water without full treatment and permitting. HOAs cannot prohibit reasonably screened rain barrels under SB 544.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Broward County, FL
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See how Broward County's rainwater harvesting rules stack up against other locations.
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