Seminole, FL permits residential rainwater harvesting for non-potable use such as irrigation. The City does not require a permit for typical rain barrels, though larger cisterns and any potable connection require Building Department review.
Florida law and the City of Seminole Code do not restrict standard rainwater harvesting at single-family homes. Rain barrels of typical size (50 to 100 gallons) installed at downspouts for landscape irrigation are allowed without a permit and are encouraged for water conservation. Larger above-ground cisterns may trigger zoning setback rules under Chapter 86 (Zoning) and structural review if they exceed 5,000 gallons. Connecting harvested rainwater to indoor plumbing requires a backflow preventer and Building Department permit under the Florida Plumbing Code to protect the potable water supply. Rainwater systems must not create stagnant water that violates the mosquito and stormwater nuisance provisions of Chapter 18.
Stop-work orders for unpermitted plumbing connections and nuisance citations for stagnant water or mosquito harborage under Chapter 18.
See how other cities in Pinellas County handle rainwater harvesting.
See how Seminole's rainwater harvesting rules stack up against other locations.
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