BARTOW, FL — Polk County is enforcing its current irrigation restrictions through March 2027, limiting lawn watering to once per week and imposing possible fines of up to $500 for repeated violations.
The restrictions come after the Southwest Florida Water Management District extended its Modified Phase III Water Shortage Order due to ongoing drought conditions across the region. The order had previously been scheduled to end after Oct. 1.
Under the restrictions, watering is permitted from 12:01 a.m. to 4 a.m. or 8 p.m. to 11:59 p.m., based on the last digit of the property address. Properties smaller than one acre may only use one of those watering windows.
Polk County Utilities is no longer issuing courtesy letters for a customer’s first violation. Customers observed watering outside their designated day or time may receive a citation and possible fines.
The restrictions apply to residences, businesses and common areas served by Polk County Utilities, including properties using private wells or reclaimed water.
Home car washing is also limited to the property’s designated watering day and requires a hose with a shutoff nozzle.
SOURCE: POLK COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION
