North Port Water Restrictions 2026
Sarasota County · Florida
Published: Updated:
Restrictions Active - Modified Phase III: Extreme Water Shortage
1
Day/Week
12:01 AM – 4:00 AM
Allowed Hours
$500
Max Fine
Find Your Watering Day
Enter the last digit of your street address:
View full address schedule table
| Address Ending | Watering Day |
|---|---|
| 0 or 1 | Monday |
| 2 or 3 | Tuesday |
| 4 or 5 | Wednesday |
| 6 or 7 | Thursday |
| 8 or 9 | Friday |
Allowed Watering Hours
SWFWMD Modified Phase III Extreme Water Shortage applies in North Port. One day per week irrigation based on the last digit of your street address. Watering windows are 12:01 AM to 4:00 AM or 8:00 PM to 11:59 PM on your assigned day. Properties under one acre may use only ONE of the two windows per scheduled day. Hand watering with a shut-off nozzle is allowed any day before 8:00 AM or after 6:00 PM for trees, shrubs, flower beds, and food crops. North Port is the largest single municipal customer of the Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority (PRMRWSA), and PRMRWSA wholesale supply is supplemented by City of North Port wells along the Myakkahatchee Creek corridor.
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
No warnings, citations issued immediately starting April 17, 2026. Up to $500 per violation.
Citations begin April 3, 2026🏠 HOA Rules During Restrictions
HOAs in Sarasota County cannot fine residents for brown lawns during active SWFWMD restrictions (FL Statute 720.3075). Through July 1, 2026, HOA enforcement of deed restrictions requiring water use (including replacement of plant material and pressure washing) is suspended per the SWFWMD water shortage order.
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 SWFWMD'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
North Port (population ~88,000) is the largest single municipal customer of the Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority (PRMRWSA). The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) declared a Modified Phase III Extreme Water Shortage in effect April 3, 2026 through July 1, 2026, citing a regional rainfall deficit of 13.7 inches and severely abnormal water levels in aquifers, rivers, and lakes. All residents are limited to one day per week irrigation through the order.
North Port's source mix is unusual among Coastal Florida cities: PRMRWSA wholesale (Peace River, Lake Hancock, Shell Creek) supplies the bulk of demand, supplemented by City of North Port wells along the Myakkahatchee Creek corridor. Saltwater intrusion threats on the Peace River intake have been intermittent since 2024 and have intensified through the 2026 dry season. The North Port High Springs aquifer basin underlies the city and is showing seasonal drawdown.
North Port is one of Florida's fastest-growing cities, with the Wellen Park master-planned community (formerly West Villages) driving suburban growth in the south-eastern quadrant. The Atlanta Braves spring training complex at CoolToday Park is a major institutional water consumer. Most properties at the city's growing edge are in West Villages Improvement District (WVID), which is a separate special district with its own utility account structure; verify your provider on your water bill before setting a controller.
Effective April 17, 2026, SWFWMD eliminated first-offence warnings - citations are now issued immediately with no prior warning. The Modified Phase III order is expected to remain in effect at least through July 1, 2026 and may extend if the dry season carries into summer.
This deficit has accumulated over the current water year and represents a significant departure from historical averages for the North Port area. Water supply reservoirs and aquifer levels are well below seasonal targets, necessitating mandatory conservation measures.
How to Keep Your Lawn Alive During North Port Water Restrictions
10 tips tailored for North Port homeowners during Modified Phase III: Extreme Water Shortage restrictions.
One day per week irrigation based on the last digit of your address. Identify your assigned day first and programme your controller to match.
Properties under one acre may use only ONE of the two watering windows (12:01-4:00 AM or 8:00-11:59 PM). Pick one and stick with it.
St. Augustine is dominant in North Port lawns and will brown noticeably under Modified Phase III. Accept dormancy rather than violating the schedule.
Hand watering with a shut-off nozzle is permitted any day before 8 AM or after 6 PM for trees, shrubs, flower beds, and food crops. Prioritise mature trees over turf.
Saltwater intrusion threats on the Peace River intake mean even small household conservation reduces pressure on regional treatment.
If you are in Wellen Park or West Villages Improvement District (WVID), your utility account may be on a different rate structure: verify on your water bill.
Install a rain barrel: captured rainwater is unrestricted at every phase and is the most reliable source for ornamental beds during Modified Phase III.
Effective April 17, 2026, SWFWMD eliminated first-offence warnings: citations are now issued immediately. Avoid the wrong-day or wrong-hour mistakes that previously came with a warning.
Mow at 3.5-4 inches and leave clippings on the lawn to shade soil and slow evaporation.
Skip fertiliser through Modified Phase III: nitrogen forces growth that demands water the lawn cannot receive.
North Port Water Restriction FAQs
What days can I water my lawn in North Port?
What hours can I run my sprinklers in North Port?
What are the fines for water violations in North Port?
Can I install new sod or seed in North Port during restrictions?
When will water restrictions end in North Port?
Is this North Port, FL, or Northport, AL?
I'm in Wellen Park / West Villages. Is my water utility different?
Sarasota County vs City of North Port - which restrictions apply?
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