Plant City Water Restrictions 2026
Hillsborough ยท Florida
Published:
Modified Phase III: Extreme Water Shortage
We have not independently verified this cityโs watering schedule. Rules change with drought stage and can be updated at short notice. Confirm your assigned watering days on the SWFWMD official page before watering. Following the wrong schedule can result in a municipal fine.
Verification needed
Check with utility
12:01 AM โ 4:00 AM
Allowed Hours
Verification needed
Check with utility
Check Your Watering Day With Plant City
We have not verified Plant Cityโs current watering schedule against an official source. Watering rules are set by your city and change with drought stage.
Confirm your assigned days on Plant Cityโs official water page: SWFWMD.
Allowed Watering Hours
Plant City is in Hillsborough County, same Phase III rules as Tampa. One window per week for properties under one acre. Hillsborough County offers free help programming your irrigation timer: call (813) 744-5519 ext. 54133.
Still Allowed
๐ง Hand Watering
Allowed with shut-off nozzle. Hours: Any day before 8:00 AM or after 6:00 PM.
๐ฟ 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.
๐ HOA Rules During Restrictions
HOA lawn standards suspended through July 1.
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 countyโs code enforcement division for assistance.
Why These Restrictions Exist
Plant City, known as the โWinter Strawberry Capital of the World,โ sits in eastern Hillsborough County under the same Phase III restrictions as Tampa. The agricultural character of Plant City makes water conservation particularly critical, the area relies on the same stressed aquifers and surface water bodies as the broader Tampa Bay region.
This deficit has accumulated over the current water year and represents a significant departure from historical averages for the Plant City area. Water supply reservoirs and aquifer levels are well below seasonal targets, necessitating mandatory conservation measures.
How to Keep Your Lawn Alive During Plant City Water Restrictions
7 tips tailored for Plant City homeowners during Modified Phase III: Extreme Water Shortage restrictions.
Program irrigation timer for 12:01am on your day.
Hillsborough County offers FREE timer programming help, call (813) 744-5519 ext. 54133.
Rebate available for weather-based smart irrigation controllers.
St. Augustine at 3.5โ4 inch height uses less water and handles drought better.
Let your lawn go semi-dormant โ St. Augustine and Bahia grasses can survive 4โ6 weeks without irrigation and green up after rain.
Use a rain gauge to track natural rainfall; skip your scheduled watering day if you received 0.5 inches or more in the prior 48 hours.
Switch container plants and flower beds to drip irrigation, which is exempt from day-of-week limits under SWFWMD rules.
Plant City Water Restriction FAQs
What days can I water my lawn in Plant City?
What hours can I run my sprinklers in Plant City?
What are the fines for water violations in Plant City?
Can I install new sod or seed in Plant City during restrictions?
When will water restrictions end in Plant City?
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