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Florida Native Landscaping Rebates

Florida water management districts and utilities offer rebates for irrigation improvements, Florida-Friendly landscaping, and stormwater management. Here's every program we've found with requirements and application links.

Last updated: February 2026 · 6 programs tracked

Key Takeaways

  • Florida rebate programs focus on irrigation efficiency and Florida-Friendly landscaping rather than direct turf replacement.
  • The Southwest Florida Water Management District WISE program offers up to $20,000 in cost-share rebates.
  • Sarasota County's RainCheck program provides up to $5,000 for rain gardens and stormwater management.
  • Miami-Dade offers up to $2,500 over 5 years for irrigation retrofits following free evaluations.
  • Florida-Friendly Landscaping certification through UF/IFAS provides HOA documentation and community recognition.

6

Programs Tracked

$20,000

Max (WISE Program)

3

Regions Covered

Feb 2026

Last Verified

Central Florida

2 programs available

Florida-Friendly Landscaping Rebate

Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC)

Up to $200 (100% of costs)

Rebates up to $200 (up to 100% of costs) for installing microirrigation systems and Florida-Friendly plants in existing homes. Must include Florida-Friendly plants and permanent irrigation improvements reducing high-volume irrigation to no more than 50%.

Orlando

OUC focuses on combined plant + irrigation improvements. Smaller rebate amount but covers 100% of eligible costs.

Apply / Learn MoreVerified Feb 2026

Water Conservation Rebate Program

St. Johns River Water Management District

Up to $10,000 (50% cost-share)

Up to 50% cost-share reimbursement with a $10,000 annual cap per applicant. Eligible projects include smart irrigation controllers, irrigation conversions, landscape soil amendments, and irrigation evaluations.

OrlandoJacksonville
Pre-approval required

Covers a large part of Central and Northeast Florida. $50,000 in total program funding — apply early.

Apply / Learn MoreVerified Feb 2026

Gulf Coast

3 programs available

WISE Program (Water Incentives Supporting Efficiency)

Southwest Florida Water Management District

Up to $20,000 (50% cost-share)

Up to 50% reimbursement or a maximum of $20,000 for qualifying conservation projects including WaterSense controllers, soil moisture sensors, micro-irrigation conversion, and high-efficiency irrigation heads.

TampaSarasota
Pre-approval required

Covers Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, and surrounding counties. One of the larger water management district programs in Florida.

Apply / Learn MoreVerified Feb 2026

RainCheck Rebate Program

Sarasota County

Up to $5,000 per property

Rebates for rain gardens ($500), downspout planter boxes ($1,000), impervious surface replacement, and custom best practices site plans (up to $5,000). Up to two projects per property.

Sarasota
Pre-approval required

Launched January 2025 in response to hurricane season flooding. Focuses on stormwater management and water quality.

Apply / Learn MoreVerified Feb 2026

Tampa Bay Water Wise Rebates

Tampa Bay Water Wise

Up to $1,000

Multiple rebates including smart irrigation controllers (up to $250), sprinkler system upgrades (from $50), and shallow wells (up to $1,000). Florida Water Star certified homes receive $1,000 per single-family home.

Tampa

Covers Tampa, St. Petersburg, and surrounding Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties.

Apply / Learn MoreVerified Feb 2026

South Florida

1 program available

Landscape Irrigation Evaluation & Rebate

Miami-Dade County Water & Sewer

Up to $500/yr (5 years, $2,500 total)

Free landscape irrigation evaluation with rebates up to $500 per year for recommended retrofits. Available over 5 years for a total of $2,500. Property must have an existing in-ground irrigation system.

Miami
Pre-approval required

Focuses on irrigation efficiency rather than turf replacement. Free evaluation is a good first step.

Apply / Learn MoreVerified Feb 2026

Rebates in Other States

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Florida offer turf replacement rebates like California or Texas?
Florida rebate programs tend to focus on irrigation efficiency and Florida-Friendly landscaping improvements rather than direct per-square-foot turf replacement. The WISE program and Sarasota's RainCheck offer the largest rebate amounts for landscape-related projects.
What is Florida-Friendly Landscaping?
Florida-Friendly Landscaping is a program developed by UF/IFAS based on 9 principles for sustainable landscaping in Florida. It emphasizes using the right plant in the right place, efficient irrigation, and reducing fertilizer runoff. Certified Florida-Friendly yards receive recognition that can help with HOA conversations.
Can my HOA prevent me from using native plants in Florida?
Florida statute §373.185 protects homeowners who use Florida-Friendly Landscaping practices. While HOAs can still set guidelines about appearance and maintenance, they cannot outright ban water-conserving or native landscaping that follows Florida-Friendly principles.
When is the best time to plant native plants in Florida?
The cooler months (October through March) are the best planting season in Florida. Plants establish roots during the mild winter before facing summer heat and rain. This timing also reduces irrigation needs during establishment.
Are rain gardens eligible for rebates in Florida?
Yes. Sarasota County's RainCheck program specifically offers rebates for rain gardens (up to $500), and many water management district programs support stormwater management improvements that include rain garden installations.

Planning a Native Yard? Pollinator Patch Can Help.

Pollinator Patch helps you pick the right native plants for your region, design an HOA-conscious layout, and generate documentation that supports rebate applications.