Landscape Irrigation Restrictions

The SFWMD’s year-round Landscape Irrigation Conservation measures (Chapter 40E-24, Florida Administrative Code) are designed to ensure efficient water use for landscape irrigation and to help conserve local water resources. The ordinance applies to landscape irrigation within unincorporated Martin County, including:

• Hobe Sound
• Hutchinson Island (Martin County portion)
• Jensen Beach
• North River Shores
• Palm City
• Port Salerno
• Rio

Note: The ordinance does not apply to municipalities like Indiantown, Jupiter Island, Ocean Breeze, Sewall’s Point, or Stuart. Residents in those areas should check with their local authorities for any irrigation restrictions.

Residents in unincorporated Martin County with existing landscaping must follow these rules:

• Odd-numbered addresses (ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, 9): Water Wednesdays and Saturdays only
• Even-numbered addresses (ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, 8): Water Thursdays and Sundays only
• Installations covering both even and odd addresses (such as multi-family units, HOA communities, rights-of-way, or locations without specific addresses): Water Thursdays and/or Sundays only

Restrictions:

• Watering is not allowed between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when evaporation is highest.
• Hand watering plants and certain outdoor activities (e.g., car and boat washing) are allowed at any time if a self-canceling nozzle is used.

More than 50% of the water used by South Florida residents in urban areas goes to landscape irrigation. With billions of gallons of water used every day, Martin County joined other counties and municipalities within the South Florida Water Management District to ensure we do our part by protecting water resources and ecosystems for future generations.

Yes, there are some exceptions. The ordinance does not apply to the following:

• Use of reclaimed water (Irrigation Quality Water) containing no more than 10% secondary sources
• Irrigation of athletic fields and play areas, including:
  • Golf courses (fairways, greens, roughs, tee boxes, putting greens, driving ranges)
  • Fields for baseball, cricket, croquet, football, frisbee, golf, lacrosse, lawn bowling, pickleball, polo, soccer, softball, tennis, volleyball
  • Equestrian, livestock, or rodeo arenas
• Irrigation at agricultural and nursery operations

Unless your water use falls into one of these exceptions, the ordinance applies to all sources, including well water.

Yes. You may request an administrative variance from the designated watering days if you meet certain conditions. 

Examples include:

• Hardship (economic, health, or other)
• Advanced or smart irrigation systems
• Contiguous properties
• Farmers markets or flea markets
• Places of worship

Residents can apply for a variance by contacting Martin County Utilities & Solid Waste at (772) 221-1434.

For questions about new landscaping provisions, additional exceptions, how to apply for a variance, or the full ordinance, residents can contact Martin County Utilities & Solid Waste directly at (772) 221-1434 or visit the South Florida Water Management District website for additional water conservation resources.