Orlando Watering Rules and Irrigation Planning

An irrigation schedule needs two separate checks: what the landscape needs and what watering is currently permitted. Neither a smart controller nor an old handwritten schedule replaces those checks. Restrictions can change, especially during water shortages, so use a current official source.

Start with the official district guidance

The [St. Johns River Water Management District watering page](https://www.sjrwmd.com/wateringrestrictions/) distinguishes normal seasonal rules from water-shortage restrictions and lists the areas affected by additional measures. Do not apply a headline about one county or shortage area to every property in the Orlando region.

Identify the property and water source

Confirm the actual service address, responsible utility and whether irrigation uses potable water, reclaimed water or another source. Rules and utility conditions may differ. A neighboring property can have a different supply arrangement, and a mailing-city label does not establish the utility boundary.

Avoid copying a fixed schedule

Permitted days are not a requirement to water on every available day. Rainfall, plant needs, soil conditions and actual application rates affect whether irrigation is needed. Separate the schedule for establishing new planting from the plan for an established lawn, and check any current exceptions directly with the authority.

Program the controller carefully

Review all programs and start times rather than changing only the visible clock. Multiple start times can repeat a full set of stations. Check that sensor inputs are enabled and station labels are accurate. For smart controllers, confirm the address settings and how local restrictions are represented.

Repair waste before extending runtimes

A leaking valve, broken head or blocked emitter needs a physical correction. A dry corner may reflect poor coverage while the rest of the zone receives enough water. Observe the system operating before deciding that every station should run longer.

Official information was checked while preparing this guide on 6 November 2026. Use the live [district guidance](https://www.sjrwmd.com/wateringrestrictions/) and your utility for the current requirements. For controller setup or irrigation maintenance, call (855) 624-0776 with the address and equipment details.