Lee County, FL Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)
Key Facts
- Rain barrels and cisterns
- Allowed without regard to watering days
- County ban on rainwater harvesting
- None found in the code
- Daily irrigation blackout
- 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- First-violation fine
- $100.00
- Governing section
- County Code Sec. 11-23(c)(13)
Summary
Lee County's water conservation article lets you water any plant material with rain barrels, cisterns or other rain-harvesting devices without regard to the watering days and times it otherwise imposes. Normal irrigation is limited to set days and banned 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Any plant material may be watered using low volume irrigation, micro-irrigation, low-volume hand watering methods, and rain barrels, cisterns, or other similar rain-harvesting devices without regard to the watering days or times allowed pursuant to this section.
Full Breakdown
Section 11-23(c)(13) of the Lee County Code says any plant material may be watered using low volume irrigation, micro-irrigation, low-volume hand watering methods, and rain barrels, cisterns, or other similar rain-harvesting devices without regard to the watering days or times the article otherwise requires. Those ordinary limits are real: irrigation is prohibited daily between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., and from June 1 through January 31 even-numbered addresses may irrigate only on Thursday and Sunday. Nothing found in the code prohibits collecting rooftop rainwater at a home.
Violations & Fines
Rain-barrel watering is exempt, so no irrigation fine attaches to it. Breaking the ordinary schedule draws a $100.00 fine for a first violation, $250.00 for a second and $500.00 for a third under Sec. 11-24(c)(1).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a rain barrel in Lee County?
Do the watering-day rules still apply to captured rainwater?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lee County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Lee County to another location·View the Florida landscaping rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.