What days can you water your lawn in Orlando?
As of June 2026, Orange County (Orlando) allows landscape irrigation 2 days per week under the St. Johns River Water Management District schedule. Odd-numbered addresses water Wednesday and Saturday, even-numbered addresses water Thursday and Sunday, and non-residential properties water Tuesday and Friday. Watering is never allowed between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and is limited to one hour per zone. This 2-day schedule runs March 8 through October 31; from November through mid-March, Orlando drops to one day per week per address.
Source: Orange County Utilities / St. Johns River Water Management District. Updated 2026-06-15.
| Rule | Detail (Orlando / Orange County, 2026) |
|---|---|
| Days per week (Mar 8 – Oct 31) | 2 |
| Odd-numbered addresses | Wednesday & Saturday |
| Even-numbered addresses | Thursday & Sunday |
| Non-residential | Tuesday & Friday |
| Prohibited hours (year-round) | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
| Maximum per zone | 1 hour |
| Winter schedule (Nov – mid-March) | 1 day per week |
| Rain sensor | Required on automatic systems (Florida law) |
| Reclaimed water | Exempt from day/time limits |
Is Orlando under a drought watering restriction right now?
A regional St. Johns River Water Management District Phase III extreme water-shortage order issued in May 2026 cut irrigation to one day per week in several northeast Florida counties (including Alachua, Duval, Flagler, Lake, and St. Johns). Orange County and Orlando are not in that order and remain on the standard 2-days-per-week schedule as of June 2026. Because drought stages change, confirm the current stage with Orange County or SJRWMD before adjusting your timer.
What hours can you water your lawn in Orlando?
In Orlando, landscape irrigation is prohibited between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. year-round to cut evaporation loss. Water early morning or evening on your assigned day, and run no more than one hour per zone. Hand watering and micro-irrigation of non-turf plants are generally allowed any time.
Does Florida require a rain sensor on sprinkler systems?
Yes. Florida law requires every automatic in-ground irrigation system to have a working rain-shutoff device (rain sensor) that turns the system off when enough rain has fallen. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to keep it functioning, and Orange County can cite systems that run during or right after rain.
Can you use reclaimed water in Orlando?
Yes. Reclaimed (recycled) water is exempt from the day-of-week and time-of-day irrigation limits in Orange County, so homes on a reclaimed line can water outside the normal 2-day schedule. Confirm availability and any local guidance with your utility, such as OUC or Orange County Utilities.
When does Orlando switch to one-day-a-week watering?
Orlando follows a seasonal schedule: 2 days per week during Daylight Saving Time (March 8 through October 31, 2026) and 1 day per week from November through mid-March, when cooler weather means lawns need less water. A separate drought declaration can also tighten the schedule, so check the current rule before the seasonal switch.