As dry conditions continue across Southwest Florida, residents in Temple Terrace are now under Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage Restrictions through July 1, 2026. These restrictions were issued by the Southwest Florida Water Management District in response to below-average rainfall and declining water levels throughout the region.
To help make things easier to understand, here’s a quick breakdown of the current watering rules, what’s still allowed, and how homeowners can avoid citations while protecting Florida’s water supply.
Why Are Water Restrictions Happening?
The Tampa Bay area has experienced significant rainfall deficits over the past year, causing water levels in aquifers, lakes, rivers, and regional water systems to decline. Officials across Hillsborough County and much of Southwest Florida have implemented emergency conservation measures to reduce strain on the water supply.
Residents on city water AND private wells are both required to follow the restrictions.
One-Day-Per-Week Watering Schedule
Outdoor lawn watering is now limited to one day per week based on the last digit of your address.
Watering Days by Address Number
| Address Ends In | Allowed Watering Day |
|---|---|
| 0 or 1 | Monday |
| 2 or 3 | Tuesday |
| 4 or 5 | Wednesday |
| 6 or 7 | Thursday |
| 8 or 9 | Friday |
Allowed Watering Times
If your property is under 1 acre, watering is only allowed during ONE of these two windows on your assigned day:
- 12:01 AM – 4:00 AM
- 8:00 PM – 11:59 PM
Properties under one acre may only use one of those watering windows.
What Is Still Allowed?
Even under Phase III restrictions, certain water uses are still permitted.
Hand Watering
Hand watering of plants and shrubs is allowed:
- Any day of the week
- Before 8:00 AM or after 6:00 PM
- Does not apply to lawns
New Lawns & Landscaping
New landscaping has a temporary establishment period:
Days 1–30
Watering allowed daily
Days 31–60
Watering allowed 3 days per week with a written schedule:
- Even addresses: Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday
- Odd addresses: Monday, Wednesday, Saturday
Car Washing
Residents may wash vehicles:
- Only on their assigned watering day
- Using a hose with a shutoff nozzle
Restaurants
Restaurants may only serve water upon request.
Enforcement & Citations
Beginning 14 days after the effective date, citations may be issued without warning for violations of watering restrictions.
This is a significant change from prior enforcement periods where warnings were more common.
Tips to Keep Your Lawn Healthy While Conserving Water
During Florida drought conditions, watering smarter is more important than watering more often.
Here are a few homeowner-friendly tips:
- Water deeply instead of daily shallow watering
- Check sprinkler heads for overspray and leaks
- Adjust irrigation timers after rainstorms
- Avoid watering during windy conditions
- Use mulch around plants to retain moisture
- Consider drought-tolerant landscaping
Many landscaping experts note that overwatering can actually weaken lawns by creating shallow root systems that struggle during drought conditions.
Where to Learn More
Residents can review full watering restrictions and FAQs through the official Southwest Florida Water Management District website:
WaterMatters.org Water Restrictions
You can also visit the official City of Temple Terrace Water Restrictions Page for local updates and schedules.
Serving Temple Terrace Homeowners
As local real estate professionals serving Temple Terrace and the greater Tampa Bay area, we know how important it is to stay informed about changes affecting homeowners and neighborhoods.
We’ll continue sharing community updates, homeowner tips, and local news right here on our blog. Be sure to sign up below for updates on when restrictions are lifted or changed.