Winter Haven Water Restrictions 2026
Polk · 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 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
Polk County follows SWFWMD Phase III county-wide. Applies to ALL water sources including wells. Polk County Water Utility confirmed April 3, 2026 start date.
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
Citations issued immediately from April 17, 2026. Polk County enforces per Ordinance 04-07.
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
Winter Haven is the heart of Polk County’s Chain of Lakes, a system of 27 interconnected lakes whose water levels are among the most affected by the 2026 drought. Despite being surrounded by water, Winter Haven’s lakes are at critically low levels. The scenic water features that define the city are directly at risk from the 13.7-inch rainfall deficit.
This deficit has accumulated over the current water year and represents a significant departure from historical averages for the Winter Haven area. Water supply reservoirs and aquifer levels are well below seasonal targets, necessitating mandatory conservation measures.
How to Keep Your Lawn Alive During Winter Haven Water Restrictions
8 tips tailored for Winter Haven homeowners during Modified Phase III: Extreme Water Shortage restrictions.
Water 1x/week on your overnight window.
Polk County burn ban also in effect, dry conditions are extreme across Central FL.
Check polkfl.gov/utilities for Polk County Utilities-specific rules.
Bahia grass (common in Winter Haven) tolerates drought better than St. Augustine, allow dormancy.
Water in the approved overnight window (12:01–4 AM) when evaporation is lowest and wind is calm.
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.
Winter Haven Water Restriction FAQs
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What are the fines for water violations in Winter Haven?
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