St. Augustine, FL Lawn Rules and Regulations — What Every St. Johns County Homeowner Needs to Know

Local watering rules, fertilizer restrictions, HOA compliance standards, and Florida-Friendly Landscaping guidelines all affect how your Floratam or Palmetto lawn is maintained. This page summarizes the key rules that apply to most St. Johns County residential properties.

This page provides general reference information only. Always verify current rules with the St. Johns County official site at stjohnsfl.gov or your specific HOA board.

St. Johns County Watering Restrictions

St. Johns County follows year-round irrigation restrictions set by the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD). Current rules for most residential properties:

Allowed watering days (standard schedule):

  • Odd-numbered addresses: Wednesday and Saturday
  • Even-numbered addresses: Thursday and Sunday

Allowed hours: Before 10am or after 4pm only. Watering between 10am and 4pm is prohibited year-round — this is when evaporation rates are highest and irrigation is least effective.

Drought conditions: Additional restrictions may apply during declared drought conditions. The SJRWMD can restrict irrigation to once per week or suspend it entirely.

New sod and seed exception: Newly installed sod or seed may qualify for a temporary exception allowing daily watering for the first 30 days. Contact St. Johns County for the current exception process.

For current restrictions: sjrwmd.com or call SJRWMD at 1-800-451-7106.

Florida Fertilizer Restrictions

Florida’s statewide fertilizer ordinance and St. Johns County’s local rules restrict when and how fertilizer can be applied near waterways and during certain weather conditions.

Blackout period: No nitrogen or phosphorus fertilizers may be applied from June 1 through September 30 in many St. Johns County areas — this is the rainy season restriction. Fertilizer washes into waterways during summer rain events.

Note: The University of Florida IFAS Extension recommends applying slow-release nitrogen fertilizer in late May (just before the blackout period) to build turf density going into summer. Timing matters — early May application gives nutrients time to absorb before the blackout window.

Setback rules: No fertilizer within 10 feet of any water body, stormwater drain, or wetland area. Properties near the Matanzas River, Intracoastal Waterway, or coastal wetlands along the A1A corridor must observe these setbacks on every application.

Zero phosphorus in most cases: Unless a soil test confirms deficiency, phosphorus-containing fertilizers are prohibited in St. Johns County under the Florida Fertilizer Law.

For current ordinance details: stjohnsfl.gov

HOA Lawn Standards

If your property is in an HOA community, your lawn maintenance standards are set by your HOA’s Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs). Common standards in Nocatee, World Golf Village, Palencia, Julington Creek, and Murabella include:

  • Maximum turf height (commonly 4 to 6 inches before violation)
  • Edging requirements along driveways and sidewalks
  • Weed standards in lawn areas and landscape beds
  • Approved grass varieties for the community
  • Rules on visible equipment storage, hose reels, and lawn care materials

HOA inspection cycles vary by community. Most inspect on a monthly or bi-monthly schedule. Violation notices are typically issued within 5 to 10 business days of the inspection date.

If you receive a lawn-related HOA violation, call 123456789. We can assess your property and schedule a corrective visit, often same-day.

Florida-Friendly Landscaping

Florida-Friendly Landscaping (FFL) is a state program that provides best-practice guidelines for lawn care that protect water quality and reduce resource use. The program is administered through the University of Florida IFAS Extension and the Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program (floridayards.org).

Key FFL principles relevant to St. Augustine lawns:

  • Right plant, right place (Floratam in full sun, Palmetto in shade)
  • Water efficiently (deep, infrequent irrigation rather than daily shallow watering)
  • Fertilize appropriately (slow-release nitrogen, no phosphorus unless soil-tested)
  • Manage yard pests responsibly (identification before treatment, not reactive spraying)
  • Recycle yard waste (leave Floratam clippings on the lawn to return nitrogen)

FFL guidelines align closely with UF/IFAS Extension recommendations that guide our care programs.

Questions About Compliance

If you have received an HOA notice, a water management citation, or have questions about whether your current lawn care program meets local rules, call 123456789. We are familiar with St. Johns County ordinances and can advise on compliant care programs for your property.

Call +1 (904) 331-8008 → compliant lawn care program, same-day availability.

St. Augustine Lawn Care Pros | St. Augustine, FL | 123456789 | info@yourdomain.com Reference: stjohnsfl.gov · sjrwmd.com · floridayards.org · gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu