Florida Water Rebates
Sarasota, Florida Water Rebates
Sarasota County runs RainCheck, a stormwater incentive program administered by the Neighborhood Environmental Stewardship Team (NEST). It pays property owners for small-scale best management practices that slow and clean stormwater, such as rain gardens, downspout planters, treatment swales, and replacing pavement with pervious surfaces. Rebates run from $50 to $5,000 depending on the practice you install. The step most people miss is that NEST has to approve your project and issue a Notice to Proceed before you start any work.
$50 to $5,000 · Verified July 2026
RainCheck Stormwater Rebate
Open the official program site (opens in new tab)How to apply
- Confirm you own the property and it is inside the Stormwater Environmental Utility service area
- Apply at scgov.net/raincheck between October 1 and June 1
- Meet the NEST Coordinator for a site inspection to assess suitability and goals
- Wait for your Notice to Proceed, then install the practice within 60 days
- Pass the final inspection, then submit the Rebate Request Form with dated receipts
What you'll need
- Proof of property ownership
- Notice to Proceed from the NEST Coordinator
- Site plan for the approved practice
- Dated receipts, paid invoices, or canceled checks
- Completed Rebate Request Form
Pollinator Patch can help: It picks Gulf Coast Florida natives suited to a Sarasota rain garden or downspout planter, designs an HOA-friendly layout that fits the practice you applied for, and assembles your plant list and before-photo packet for the NEST inspection.
Avoid these mistakes
- Don't start any installation before you get your Notice to Proceed. Work begun early does not qualify.
- Don't apply for a practice already installed. RainCheck funds new projects from start to finish, not past work.
- Don't miss the deadlines. Applications close June 1, projects must finish within 60 days of approval, and rebate requests are due by September 1.
Sarasota Water Rebate FAQs
How much does Sarasota County RainCheck pay?
Can I build my rain garden first and apply later?
When can I apply?
Who is eligible?
Rebate Concierge
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. A few high-value programs also offer an optional ready-to-file application packet for a one-time $29.99.
Get started
Plan a native yard with Pollinator Patch.
Pick the right native plants for your region, design an HOA-friendly layout, and generate documentation that supports your rebate application.
