Alachua County Turf SWAP Rebate (Program Ended) | Gainesville, FL

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Alachua County, Florida Water Rebates

The Alachua County Environmental Protection Department previously ran Turf SWAP to help property owners reduce outdoor water use. It paid a 50% rebate up to $2,000 to remove all or part of an in-ground irrigation system and replace turf with Florida-Friendly Landscaping, with the work done by a Florida Water Star accredited SWAP Shop professional. As of July 2026 the county no longer lists the program. Call Water Resources at 352-264-6800 to ask what replaced it before planning a project around it.

50% up to $2,000 · Verified August 2026

Turf SWAP Landscaping Rebate

Open the official program site

How to apply

Eligible properties were in Alachua County with an existing in-ground irrigation system
A Florida Water Star accredited SWAP Shop professional removed the irrigation and installed Florida-Friendly Landscaping
Owners submitted an application, a W9, and an itemized invoice to the Environmental Protection Department
The county reimbursed 50% up to $2,000 after review. The program is no longer listed as of July 2026

What you'll need

Completed Turf SWAP application form
Completed W9 form
Itemized invoice from the SWAP Shop professional
Proof of property within Alachua County

Pollinator Patch can help: It picks Florida-Friendly natives suited to North Florida around Gainesville, designs an HOA-friendly layout, and assembles the plant list and project notes you can hand to your SWAP Shop professional.

Avoid these mistakes

Don't plan a project around this rebate. Turf SWAP is no longer listed as of July 2026, so confirm current options with the county first.

Alachua County Water Rebate FAQs

How much does Alachua County pay to remove turf?

The program previously paid a 50% rebate up to $2,000 to remove high-volume irrigation and replace turf with Florida-Friendly Landscaping, with the work done by an accredited SWAP Shop professional. As of July 2026 Alachua County no longer lists it. Call Water Resources at 352-264-6800 for current options.

Can I do the work myself?

No. The Turf SWAP rebate requires a Florida Water Star accredited SWAP Shop professional to remove the irrigation and install the new landscaping.

Do I need an existing irrigation system?

Yes. The program is built around reducing or removing an existing traditional in-ground irrigation system, so you need one to qualify.

Who can apply?

It was open to homeowners, commercial properties, and HOAs within Alachua County and its municipalities. The program is no longer listed as of July 2026.

Free step-by-step help with every rebate above

Every program above comes with a free guided checklist in the Pollinator Patch app: the steps in order, warnings before the mistakes that disqualify applications, and a photo locker that keeps your before and after photos and receipts together. Every open program above also offers a 30-minute call with Stephen, the founder, for a one-time $29.99. Open the program to book it.