Bonita Springs Water Restrictions 2026
Lee County · Florida
Published:
Restrictions Active - Year-Round Rules + 2026 Drought Warning
2
Days/Week
Before 8:00 AM
Allowed Hours
$500 per violation
Max Fine
Find Your Watering Day
Enter the last digit of your street address:
View full address schedule table
| Address Ending | Watering Day |
|---|---|
| Odd | Wednesday & Saturday |
| Even | Thursday & Sunday |
Allowed Watering Hours
Irrigation is prohibited between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM year-round in the SFWMD district.
Still Allowed
💧 Hand Watering
Allowed with shut-off nozzle. Hours: Any day before 8:00 AM or after 6:00 PM.
🌿 Drip Irrigation
Exempt from day-of-week limits. Must follow allowed hours.
Fines & Enforcement
$500 per violation
Municipalities may impose additional fines. Repeat violators may face up to $5,000 per occurrence.
Citations begin January 1, 2026🏠 HOA Rules During Restrictions
HOAs in Lee County cannot fine residents for brown lawns during active SFWMD restrictions (FL Statute 720.3075).
If your homeowners association sends a violation notice for a dormant or brown lawn during the current restriction period, respond in writing citing the applicable law and include a copy of the SFWMD's current restriction order. Most HOAs will rescind the notice once they are made aware of the legal protections in place. If the issue persists, contact your county’s code enforcement division for assistance.
Why These Restrictions Exist
Bonita Springs straddles the border of Lee and Collier Counties and is served by Bonita Springs Utilities. The Imperial River, which runs through the heart of the city, has seen flows reduced to a trickle during the 2026 dry season. Many residential communities in Bonita Springs rely on private wells for irrigation, and falling water tables have caused some shallow wells to run dry entirely. SFWMD’s year-round two-day schedule remains in effect with enhanced enforcement during the drought advisory period.
This deficit has accumulated over the current water year and represents a significant departure from historical averages for the Bonita Springs area. Water supply reservoirs and aquifer levels are well below seasonal targets, necessitating mandatory conservation measures.
How to Keep Your Lawn Alive During Bonita Springs Water Restrictions
11 tips tailored for Bonita Springs homeowners during Year-Round Rules + 2026 Drought Warning restrictions.
Bonita Springs well users: if your well runs dry, contact Bonita Springs Utilities about connecting to reclaimed water for irrigation.
The Bonita Springs area’s marl and limestone soils hold moisture better than sand – avoid overwatering on your two allowed days.
Water deeply (0.75 in per session) on your two allowed days rather than frequent shallow watering to encourage deep root growth.
Replace turf in low-traffic areas with drought-tolerant Florida-Friendly ground covers like Sunshine Mimosa or Perennial Peanut.
Install a smart irrigation controller with a rain sensor – required by Florida law and saves up to 30% water.
Mow at the highest setting for your grass type; taller blades promote deeper roots and reduce heat stress.
Apply slow-release potassium fertilizer in spring to improve drought and heat tolerance.
Check for leaks in your irrigation system monthly – a single stuck valve can waste 500+ gallons overnight.
Group plants with similar water needs together (hydrozoning) to eliminate overwatering in mixed beds.
Consider installing a rain barrel on downspouts – collected rainwater can be used for hand-watering without restriction.
Avoid washing cars in the driveway with a hose; use a commercial car wash that recycles water instead.
Bonita Springs Water Restriction FAQs
What days can I water my lawn in Bonita Springs?
What hours can I run my sprinklers in Bonita Springs?
What are the fines for water violations in Bonita Springs?
Can I install new sod or seed in Bonita Springs during restrictions?
When will water restrictions end in Bonita Springs?
Get alerts for Bonita Springs, Florida
We will email you when Bonita Springs restrictions change – escalations, new stages, or lifted restrictions.
No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime.
Other Florida Cities with Water Restrictions
Community Reports & Questions
Share an update, ask a question, or report a change in your local restrictions.
No community reports yet
Be the first to share a local update, ask a question, or report a change in your area's restrictions.