Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Orlando

Orlando, FL Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Water restrictions in Orlando, FL, also called the watering schedule, outdoor irrigation rules, or drought ordinance, set which days and hours you can run sprinklers or irrigation.

Key Facts

Watering days/times set by: SJRWMD, not the city
Variance authority: SJRWMD only
Spray head repair window: 5 business days of notice
Sensor repair grace period: 30 days, non-violation
Contractor licensing: Fla. Stat. ch. 489 or local license

Summary

Orlando's landscape code does not set its own watering calendar: it directs that irrigation days, times, volumes and run times follow whatever the St. Johns River Water Management District requires, and any variance must come from SJRWMD, not the city.

Watering Restrictions. Watering restrictions and schedules for times, days, volumes, and run times shall be as specified by the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD). Variances from SJRWMD watering restrictions, if needed for the optimum functioning of water-conserving sensors and controls, such as soil-moisture sensors and weather-based evapotranspiration (ET) controllers, must be obtained as needed from SJRWMD.

Source: SJRWMD Water Conservation RulesView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 92).

Full Breakdown

232(h), "Watering Restrictions," states that "watering restrictions and schedules for times, days, volumes, and run times shall be as specified by the St. 232(i)). 232(g)). 232(j)). These sections derive from Ord. No. 2013-74 (12-9-2013).

Violations & Fines

Failing to repair a malfunctioning irrigation system within five business days of written notice, running irrigation on a schedule that conflicts with SJRWMD-set watering days/times without an approved variance, or having unlicensed contractors perform irrigation work are violations enforceable under Chapter 5 of the City Code.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Orlando set its own watering days for lawn irrigation?

No. Section 60.232(h) directs that watering restrictions and schedules for times, days, volumes and run times follow whatever the St. Johns River Water Management District specifies, not a separate city calendar.

Can I get a variance from the watering restrictions?

Only from SJRWMD. Section 60.232(h) states that any needed variance from SJRWMD watering restrictions, such as for soil-moisture sensors or ET controllers to function optimally, must be obtained from SJRWMD, not the City of Orlando.

How fast do I have to fix a broken sprinkler head?

Section 60.232(g) requires repair of broken or misdirected irrigation spray heads and other malfunctions upon discovery or within five business days of written notification from City, County or State personnel.

Sources & Official References

[1]Orlando City Code § 60.232 - Installation and Operation (Landscape Irrigation)

Other rules in Orlando

Parking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome Restrictions Tree TrimmingSome Restrictions Weed OrdinancesSome Restrictions Artificial TurfSome Restrictions Native PlantsFew Restrictions CompostingLight Restrictions Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsHeavy Restrictions Parking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant Restrictions Parking Rules: EV ChargingSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSignificant Restrictions

All Orlando rules

How Orlando compares: Cities with the Strictest Water Restrictions·Florida rules heatmap·Compare Orlando 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.