This page records what the Southwest Florida Water Management District and University of Florida
IFAS Extension publish about lawns in the Sarasota area: what the current watering restriction allows,
which turfgrass suits the local conditions, how it is established, and how it is mown and irrigated.
Each figure is attributed to the publication it comes from, with the date it was read.
The current watering restriction
Sarasota County is under a Modified Phase III "Extreme" Water Shortage order, extended
through October 1, 2026. Irrigation is limited to once per week, assigned by the last digit of the
property address. This is a shortage order rather than a routine seasonal schedule, so it supersedes
ordinary watering-day guidance while it remains in force.
Source: Southwest Florida Water Management District / Sarasota County —
swfwmd.state.fl.us district water restrictions. Read 2026-07-26.
Which turfgrass suits the conditions
St. Augustinegrass produces a green to blue-green dense turf that is well adapted to most soils and
climatic regions in Florida. It has relatively good salt tolerance, and certain cultivars have better
shade tolerance than other warm-season grass species. Salt tolerance is the property that matters most
on coastal ground.
Source: UF/IFAS Extension ENH5/LH010 —
edis.ifas.ufl.edu/lh010. Read 2026-07-30.
How it is established
St. Augustinegrass is established by vegetative propagation only, which includes sod, plugs or
sprigs. It is not established from seed, so a bare area is closed by laying material rather than by
sowing it.
Source: UF/IFAS Extension ENH5/LH010 —
edis.ifas.ufl.edu/lh010. Read 2026-07-30.
Mowing and irrigation figures
| Factor | Published value |
|---|---|
| Mowing height, standard cultivars (BitterBlue, Classic, Floratam) | 3.5 to 4 inches |
| Maximum leaf blade removed per mowing | No more than one third |
| Water applied per irrigation application | One-half to three-quarters inch |
| Establishment method | Sod, plugs or sprigs only |
Source: UF/IFAS Extension ENH5/LH010 —
edis.ifas.ufl.edu/lh010. Read 2026-07-30.
Frequently asked questions
How often can a lawn be irrigated right now?
Once per week, assigned by the last digit of the property address, under the Modified Phase III
"Extreme" Water Shortage order extended through October 1, 2026.
How much water is applied at a time?
One-half to three-quarters inch per irrigation application (UF/IFAS ENH5/LH010).
How tall should St. Augustinegrass be kept?
Standard cultivars mown with a rotary mower are maintained at 3.5 to 4 inches.
Can a St. Augustinegrass lawn be started from seed?
No. It is established by vegetative propagation only: sod, plugs or sprigs.
Why is St. Augustinegrass common near the coast?
It has relatively good salt tolerance, and certain cultivars have better shade tolerance than other
warm-season grass species.
Sources
- Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) / Sarasota County — www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/business/epermitting/district-water-r (read 2026-07-26)
- UF/IFAS Extension ENH5/LH010 (Trenholm, Shaddox, Schiavon, Unruh & Kenworthy), St. Augustinegrass for Florida Lawns — edis.ifas.ufl.edu/lh010 (read 2026-07-30)
Treat this Sarasota project as a local site question, not a generic checklist; humid Gulf-coast summers, salt air and heavy rain, sandy coastal soils with rapid drainage and existing shade all matter. Ask for a service details tied to the address and local rules from Sarasota County water and fertilizer ordinances, with plant choices that fit St. Augustine, palms, live oak and Florida-friendly natives and the property’s neighborhood context.
Move from the property walk to the written watering decisions scope by itemizing guide. Note the observed condition, selected response, measurable completion check, and any responsibility left outside this project.
From property walk to written acceptance
- Review Before CommitmentThe property review and estimate do not require the owner to proceed with the project.
- Walkthrough to Written ScopeObserved conditions, included work, and price are written down before a schedule is accepted.