LEGISLATION NEWS - NOVEMBER 2025 

Legislation Filed in Florida Senate to Standardize Irrigation Installation and Licensure

SB 508 was filed in the Florida Senate on November 14, 2025, sponsored by Senator Keith Truenow. The bill creates a new set of statewide rules under the title “Landscape Irrigation Standards and Watering Restrictions Act.” If passed, it becomes effective on July 1, 2026. To review the current version of the bill go to Senate Bill 508 (2026) - The Florida Senate.

Why This Bill Was Proposed (Legislative Intent)

SB 508 is framed around water conservation and more efficient irrigation practices. Some of the bill’s stated goals and motivations include:

• Reducing unnecessary water use via landscape irrigation.
• Setting minimum standards for irrigation system design, considering local climate, soil conditions, and water resource planning.
• Encouraging the use of “site-appropriate plant materials” and water-efficient technologies.

Key Provisions of the Bill

The components of the bill address the following areas which are being reviewed and analyzed by FIS Board and other members to provide feedback to Senator Truenow.

1. Licensing / Who Can Do Irrigation Work
   • Only a licensed irrigation contractor (or the property owner) can install, alter, or maintain a landscape irrigation system.
2. Design Standards for Irrigation Systems
3. Watering Schedule (Irrigation Limits)
4. Exceptions / Variances
5. Enforcement & Penalties
6. Preemption / Uniformity
   • This creates a uniform statewide standard for landscape irrigation systems and watering, reducing a patchwork of different local watering rules and preempts local jurisdictions from implement their own standards.

Who This Bill Applies To

Applies to newly constructed commercial, residential, institutional landscapes, or any substantial modification (50% or more replacement) of an existing irrigation system.

Exemptions:

• • Agricultural systems (farms) are not covered.
  • Also excluded: greenhouses, nurseries, cemeteries, golf courses, athletic fields, playgrounds, and certain gardens (e.g., vegetable or fruit tree groves).

Potential Impacts & Implications

• Water Conservation
  • By enforcing watering limits and efficient system design, the bill has the potential to significantly reduce water waste in landscapes.
  • Encouraging micro-irrigation and use of reclaimed water could help reduce reliance on potable water for landscaping.
• Cost / Compliance Burden
  • Licensed irrigation contractors will need to follow stricter design and permitting processes. This could increase upfront costs for customers.
  • Property owners may need to work more closely with contractors to ensure systems comply with the new standards.
• Local Government Role
  • Local governments will need to enforce the law, which could involve inspections, permitting, and managing variances.
  • However, the bill limits local governments’ ability to set their own more restrictive watering rules, since conflicting ordinances would be preempted.
• Technology Adoption
  • The bill encourages adoption of “smart” irrigation technologies (e.g., soil-moisture sensors). In fact, older or less efficient systems might become less viable.
  • Because micro-irrigation systems are exempt from watering restrictions, there may be a financial incentive for homeowners and developers to favor drip or bubbler systems.
• Environmental Impact
  • Over time, more efficient irrigation could help with water resource sustainability, especially in water-stressed regions of Florida.
  • Better-designed systems (zoned, properly spaced, and using reclaimed water) can help reduce runoff, overspray, and the environmental impacts of overwatering.

Risks and Criticisms

• Some may argue that the permit and design requirements could slow down new construction or renovations, adding complexity and cost.
• There may be resistance from property owners who see the watering schedule as too restrictive — especially for large properties or those with existing systems.
• Enforcement could be challenging: local governments may lack the capacity or resources to monitor compliance, especially in subdivisions with many irrigation systems.

Florida Senate Bill 508 (2026) represents a significant step toward standardizing and regulating landscape irrigation across the state. By requiring licensed contractors, establishing efficient design standards, and mandating a watering schedule, the bill aims to conserve water, reduce waste, and promote more sustainable landscaping practices. However, its success will depend heavily on effective implementation, enforcement by local governments, and how property owners and contractors adapt to the new requirements. FIS encourages members to review the bill and provide feedback to the FIS Board as soon as possible. 

Changes in the bill are likely to occur as the wording is refined in Senate Committee meetings being held this month and next. Send your comments to charris@fisstate.org.