Sarasota Phase III Water Restrictions

Yes. In written guidance provided to Strong Landscape & Pressure Wash, the Southwest Florida Water Management District stated that commercial pressure-washing companies may operate as usual. The District clarified that the pressure-washing restrictions in the current order apply to homeowners or residents performing the work themselves, not to commercial pressure-washing companies.

Sometimes. SWFWMD allows certain homeowner pressure washing for necessary maintenance, painting or sealing preparation, construction, health or safety needs, and specific situations such as removing mold, mildew, or potentially hazardous material from hard surfaces when it cannot be removed mechanically. Annual pressure washing purely for aesthetic purposes is prohibited for homeowners under the Phase III criteria.

Yes. SWFWMD specifically states that pressure washing in preparation for painting and sealing is allowed.

Yes, when the cleaning is considered necessary maintenance. SWFWMD allows pressure washing of driveways, sidewalks, and other hard surfaces to remove mold, mildew, or other potentially hazardous material that cannot be removed by mechanical means such as sweeping or blowing.

No. SWFWMD states that HOA or other aesthetic standards do not qualify as necessary maintenance, and the current order says HOAs and other entities cannot enforce standards that would require increased water use, including pressure washing.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District extended the Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage through March 31, 2027. Sarasota County is included in the affected area.

Yes. The current Modified Phase III restrictions apply to residents using public water supplies and private wells within the affected areas. SW Florida Water Mgmt District

Current water-shortage information and updates are available directly from the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Because restrictions can change, homeowners should also check their city or county requirements, which may be stricter than the District’s rules.

Yes. New landscape installation can still be completed during the current Modified Phase III restrictions. SWFWMD allows an establishment-watering period for newly installed plants and lawns.

Newly installed landscapes may be watered as needed during the first 30 days after installation. During days 31 through 60, watering is reduced to three days per week under the current establishment schedule.

Yes. Low-volume micro-irrigation for plants and shrubs is allowed under the current restrictions during the permitted watering hours. Micro-irrigation can help deliver water directly to the root zone with less overspray and runoff than broader irrigation methods.

Yes. We can install new low-volume micro-irrigation systems or convert portions of existing irrigation systems. Depending on the property, systems can often be tied into existing irrigation or operated from an exterior hose faucet using a dedicated timer.