Lawn by Season
Modified Phase III: Extreme Water Shortage
Through July 1, 2026

Plant City Water Restrictions 2026

Hillsborough · Florida

Published:

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 EndingWatering Day
0 or 1Monday
2 or 3Tuesday
4 or 5Wednesday
6 or 7Thursday
8 or 9Friday
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Reset Your Sprinkler Timer
  1. Press and hold the left arrow button for 2 seconds to enter programming mode
  2. Set current day and time first
  3. Set start time to your allowed hour (e.g. 8:00 PM)
  4. Set run time per zone (15–25 minutes for most lawns)
  5. Set watering days to your assigned day ONLY - deselect all others

Allowed Watering Hours

12:01 AM – 4:00 AM8:00 PM – 11:59 PM

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

💧 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

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 county’s code enforcement division for assistance.

Why These Restrictions Exist

Plant City, known as the “Winter Strawberry Capital of the World,” 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.

Rainfall Deficit: 13.7 inches below average

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 3.5–4 inch height uses less water and handles drought better.

Let your lawn go semi-dormant – St. Augustine and Bahia grasses can survive 4–6 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?
Your watering day in Plant City depends on your street address. Addresses ending in 0 or 1 can water on Monday. Addresses ending in 2 or 3 can water on Tuesday. Addresses ending in 4 or 5 can water on Wednesday. Addresses ending in 6 or 7 can water on Thursday. Addresses ending in 8 or 9 can water on Friday. You are limited to 1 day per week during the current Modified Phase III: Extreme Water Shortage restrictions.
What hours can I run my sprinklers in Plant City?
Under the current restrictions, sprinkler irrigation in Plant City is only allowed during the following hours: 12:01 AM – 4:00 AM, 8:00 PM – 11:59 PM. 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. Watering outside these hours, even on your scheduled day, is a violation and may result in a citation.
What are the fines for water violations in Plant City?
No warnings, citations issued immediately starting April 17, 2026. Up to $500 per violation. The SWFWMD and local Hillsborough enforcement officers conduct patrols and respond to complaints. Keep your irrigation timer set to your assigned day and hours to avoid citations.
Can I install new sod or seed in Plant City during restrictions?
New lawn installations are prohibited during Phase III unless a variance is obtained from SWFWMD.
When will water restrictions end in Plant City?
The current Modified Phase III: Extreme Water Shortage restrictions in Plant City are effective from April 3, 2026 through July 1, 2026. However, the restrictions may be extended if drought conditions persist or eased if significant rainfall improves water supply levels. Monitor the SWFWMD website for updates.

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