Palm Beach County, FL Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Code § 27-115(3)
- Exempt devices
- rain barrels, cisterns, rain-harvesting devices
- Normal watering days
- 3 days/week by address parity
- Restricted hours
- 10 a.m.-4 p.m. banned
- Enforcement
- Code Enforcement Officers / Water Utilities
Summary
Palm Beach County exempts rain barrels, cisterns, and similar rain-harvesting devices from the county's landscape irrigation watering-day and time restrictions, letting residents water plants with harvested rainwater any day, any hour.
Any plant material may be watered using Low Volume Irrigation. Microirrigation. Low Volume Hand Watering, rain barrels, cisterns, or other similar rain-harvesting devices without regard to the watering days or times allowed pursuant to this Article.
Full Breakdown
Palm Beach County's landscape irrigation rules limit sprinkler use to three days a week, Tuesday/Thursday/Sunday for even addresses, Monday/Wednesday/Saturday for odd addresses, and ban irrigation between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. But Code § 27-115(3) carves out rain barrels, cisterns, and similar rain-harvesting devices: any plant material may be watered from them "without regard to the watering days or times" set in the ordinance. The exemption applies in unincorporated Palm Beach County; Code Enforcement Officers can still cite wasteful or unnecessary water use under Sec. 27-114.
Violations & Fines
Watering restrictions ban sprinkler use outside your address's assigned days and the 10 a.m.-4 p.m. window; fines run $100-$500 per citation, but rain barrels and cisterns are exempt entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I water my garden with a rain barrel anytime in Palm Beach County?
Does this exemption apply inside cities like Boca Raton or West Palm Beach?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Palm Beach County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Palm Beach County to another location·View the Florida landscaping rules overview
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