Water restrictions in Clearwater, FL — also called the watering schedule, outdoor irrigation rules, or drought ordinance — set which days and hours you can run sprinklers or irrigation.
Clearwater operates under Modified Phase III Extreme Water Shortage restrictions that limit lawn irrigation to one day per week based on address, with citations issued immediately and fines up to $500 per violation through July 2026.
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) declared a Modified Phase III Extreme Water Shortage in effect April 3, 2026 through July 1, 2026. Even-numbered addresses may irrigate only on Saturday; odd-numbered addresses may irrigate only on Sunday. Permitted irrigation hours are 12:01 AM to 4:00 AM and 8:00 PM to 11:59 PM. Properties under one acre may use only one of the two allowed windows per scheduled day. Drip irrigation, micro-irrigation, and hand-watering with a shutoff nozzle are exempt from the day-of-week limits. New plantings receive a 30-day establishment exemption with documentation.
No warnings issued, immediate citations starting April 17, 2026, civil penalties up to $500 per violation, and SWFWMD enforcement action.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Pinellas County.
See how other cities in Pinellas County handle water restrictions.
See how Clearwater's water restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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