Home  /  Tampa, FL  /  Services  /  Irrigation & Sprinkler Systems

Irrigation & Sprinkler Systems in Tampa, FL

Quick answer

An irrigation system in Tampa Bay has to follow regional and local watering rules. Under the 2026 emergency shortage order, most of the region may water lawns one day a week at night. Florida law requires a working rain sensor on automatic systems, and drip zones for beds have more flexibility than lawn sprinklers.

Last updated

Most Tampa Bay lawns with St. Augustine or zoysia depend on an irrigation system, and that system has to follow some of the strictest watering rules in the country. A well-tuned system gives the lawn a deep soak on its allowed day. A neglected one runs during a downpour, sprays the street, and can earn a citation.

Know your watering rules

The Southwest Florida Water Management District normally limits lawn watering to two days a week, and some local governments set stricter schedules. The City of Tampa has used a once-a-week schedule since 1992, with the day set by the last digit of your address. In 2026 the district declared an emergency water shortage, and under the Modified Phase III order lawn watering across Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and other counties is limited to one day a week, between 12:01 a.m. and 4 a.m. or 8 p.m. and 11:59 p.m. for most properties. Local news reported in September 2026 that the order was extended through March 31, 2027. Utilities set their own days, too: St. Petersburg assigns Saturday or Sunday by address on city water. Check your utility's current rules and set your controller to match.

Reclaimed water

Many homes in St. Petersburg and parts of Pinellas and Hillsborough are on reclaimed water for irrigation. St. Petersburg treats reclaimed watering as voluntary, asks customers to water no more than three days a week, and lowers pressure during the middle of the day in dry weather. Low pressure can leave rotors falling short, so a system on reclaimed water may need different nozzles or zoning.

Equipment that matters here

  • Rain sensor: Florida law requires a working rain-sensing shutoff on automatic systems. The City of Tampa offers free rain sensors.
  • Smart controllers: weather- or soil-moisture-based controllers, including EPA WaterSense labeled models, can skip runs after rain.
  • Drip and micro-irrigation: for beds and shrubs. Under the shortage order, micro-irrigation of non-lawn plants is allowed any day during early morning and evening hours.
  • Matched heads and good coverage: sand absorbs water fast, so the goal is even coverage rather than cycle-and-soak, and enough water to wet the root zone in one allowed run.

Licensing and backflow

Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation offers a Certified Irrigation Specialty Contractor license, and plumbing contractors can also do irrigation work. Counties may license contractors locally, so ask for the license number and verify it with the state or your county. Systems connected to drinking water need a backflow prevention assembly, and utilities generally require it to be tested at installation and periodically after. Ask your installer and your utility what is required at your address.

Common repairs

  • Broken or sunken heads from mowers
  • Controllers that lost their schedule after a power outage, which Tampa warns can lead to a citation
  • Failed rain sensors
  • Leaking valves, often noticed as a soggy strip or a higher bill
  • Root intrusion and clogged emitters in drip zones

The City of Tampa also offers free irrigation evaluations to its customers. Read our guide to Tampa Bay watering rules, then request an irrigation company.

See how it works

How a sprinkler zone waters a lawn. Press the buttons to run each step and see what happens inside. Made with Colorfigures ·
Embed this figure

Frequently asked questions

What day can I water in Tampa?

The City of Tampa assigns one day a week by the last digit of your address: 0 or 1 Monday, 2 or 3 Tuesday, 4 or 5 Wednesday, 6 or 7 Thursday, 8 or 9 Friday. Under the 2026 shortage order, watering is limited to 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. or 8 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. Check tampa.gov for changes.

Is reclaimed water subject to watering restrictions?

Generally it is treated differently. St. Petersburg asks reclaimed customers to water no more than three days a week on a voluntary schedule, and Tampa says reclaimed water isn't subject to its restrictions but shouldn't be wasted. Check with your provider.

Does an irrigation contractor need a license in Florida?

Florida offers a Certified Irrigation Specialty Contractor license through DBPR, and plumbing contractors can also do irrigation work. Counties may license contractors locally too. Ask for the license number and verify it.

Sources and further reading

Request help now

Get help now