Overview
- The Southwest Florida Water Management District approved a Modified Phase III order that takes effect April 3 and runs through July 1 across much of west‑central Florida.
- Outdoor irrigation is limited to one day per week during narrow night windows, either 12:01–4 a.m. or 8–11:59 p.m., depending on local rules and property size.
- Restaurants must now serve drinking water only upon request, a shift officials say will cut routine, unnecessary use.
- Home car washing is allowed only on the designated watering day with a shutoff nozzle, aesthetic fountains are capped at four hours daily with posted schedules, and HOAs may not enforce landscape standards that require extra watering.
- Officials cite roughly a 14‑inch rainfall deficit and falling aquifer and reservoir levels, with statewide drought and wildfire concerns already prompting a February emergency declaration by Governor Ron DeSantis.