Southwest Florida Water District Declares Extreme Drought Restrictions

Phase 3 water shortage takes effect Friday with once-per-week lawn watering limits.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:09pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A vast, atmospheric landscape painting in muted earth tones, with a cracked, dry riverbed and withered vegetation dwarfed by an expansive, hazy sky, conveying the sublime power of the region's severe drought conditions.A stunning natural landscape painting reflects the overwhelming scale and severity of the drought crisis gripping southwest Florida.Sarasota Today

The Southwest Florida Water Management District has declared a Modified Phase III extreme water shortage effective Friday, April 3, imposing strict watering limits across the region. The restrictions apply to 11 counties and portions of 3 others, limiting lawn irrigation to once per week only on designated days and reducing watering hours.

Why it matters

The severe drought conditions have led to declining water levels in the district's aquifers, rivers, and lakes, prompting the need for these extreme conservation measures to protect public water supplies. The restrictions aim to curb excessive water usage and prevent further depletion of the region's water resources.

The details

Under the new restrictions, lawn irrigation is limited to once per week only on designated days, with watering hours reduced to 12:01 a.m. to 4 a.m. or 8 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. Properties less than one acre can only use one of these windows. Car washing at home is only allowed on scheduled lawn watering days using a hose with a shutoff nozzle. Aesthetic fountains are limited to four hours per day. Pressure washing for painting and sealing is allowed, but restaurants must only serve water upon request.

  • The restrictions take effect on Friday, April 3, 2026.
  • The restrictions will remain in place through July 1, 2026.
  • Beginning April 17, 2026, citations will be issued without warning for violations.

The players

Southwest Florida Water Management District

The regional water management district responsible for water resources in 16 counties in southwest Florida.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board will review the water shortage declaration at their next meeting in July 2026 to determine if the restrictions should be extended or modified.

The takeaway

The extreme drought conditions in southwest Florida have forced the water management district to implement the most stringent water restrictions in nearly a decade, underscoring the urgent need for residents and businesses to conserve water and adapt to the region's changing climate.