Local Government Model Ordinances and Codes
To assist local governments educate their residents and businesses on their allowable irrigation times, the District has created the following items. Download these assets for free:
Model Ordinance and Model Code Language for the District’s Mandatory Year-Round Landscape Irrigation Conservation Measures
The Year-Round Landscape Irrigation Rule (YRR) is a component of the South Florida Water Management District's Comprehensive Water Conservation Program, which was established to encourage more responsible use of water resources throughout South Florida. Local governments are encouraged to adopt an ordinance in accordance with Rule 40E-24.301, F.A.C.
Although the District sees utilities as having a role in supporting the YRR, the District strongly encourages local governments, not utilities, to take the lead role in adopting ordinances or codes supporting YRR measures. Any local ordinance or code applies to all users within the municipalities boundaries, not just those users served with potable water by a utility.
To assist local governments in adopting a year-round irrigation ordinance, the District has drafted 1) a model ordinance; and 2) a model for code language. Among other elements, local ordinances should include sections describing the locality’s provisions for variances, enforcement, and penalties for infractions. The model ordinance and code language documents contain guidance for these provisions. In addition, the District reviewed and compiled penalty rates from 55 localities and present the findings in a separate document called YRR Penalty Rate Review.
These documents can be accessed via the links below.
All local governments are strongly encouraged to implement its own conservation ordinance or code in accordance with Rule 40E-24.301, F.A.C. The District also encourages working collaboratively with its staff to ensure alignment with the District’s YRR and recommends that the local government provide a copy of a draft or any proposed ordinances or codes prior to adoption.
Because water shortage and water shortage emergency declaration are temporary, they should be presented separate and independent from year-round irrigation restrictions in codes. It is suggested that the YRR code appear in an Article, Division, or Chapter dedicated to water conservation, natural resources or environment, not with one outlining codes related to utility water and sewer use.
Model Ordinance and Model Code Language for Local Adoption of Water Shortage and Water Shortage Emergence Declarations
Local governments are strongly encouraged to pass local ordinances containing provisions meant to assist the South Florida Water Management District in the implementation of its water shortage plan (Chapter 40E-21, F.A.C.) and enforce issued water shortage orders. To assist local governments, the District has drafted two guidance documents: 1) a model ordinance; and 2) a model for code language. Local ordinances should include, among other elements, sections describing the locality’s provisions for variances, enforcement, and penalties.
These documents can be accessed via the links below.
Because water shortage and water shortage emergency declaration are temporary, they should be presented seperate and independent from year-round irrigation restrictions in codes. It is suggested that these codes appear in an Article, Division, or Chapter dedicated to water conservation or natural resources or environment, not with one outling codes related to utility water and sewer use.
Please Note: The door hangers and the local government fact sheets can be customized with your county/municipal logo. When printing the door hangers, please use Card Stock, 4-1/4" x 11", 2 Per Card
If the local government chooses to implement its own conservation ordinance or code, in accordance with Chapter 40E-21, F.A.C., the District recommends that the local government provide a copy to the District of the proposed ordinance or code prior to adoption. The District encourages working collaboratively with local governments to ensure alignment with the District’s Water Shortage Plan.