Florida · by product
Florida rain sensor rebates
| Program | Rain sensors amount | Details | Official |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manatee County UtilitiesManatee County | Up to $150 | Rain shut-off device (rain sensor, ET controller, soil moisture sensor): 100% of cost up to $150 | Source ↗ |
| Miami-Dade Water and Sewer (WASD)Miami-Dade County | Up to $120 | Rain sensor: up to $120 | Source ↗ |
| City of ApopkaOrange County | Up to $100 | Rain sensor: 50%, up to $100 | Source ↗ |
| Bonita Springs UtilitiesLee County | Up to $100 | Rain sensor: up to $100 | Source ↗ |
| Tampa Bay Water Wise: Sprinkler Parts & EvaluationHillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas County | Up to $50 | Rain sensor install or repair: $50 | Source ↗ |
| Citrus County UtilitiesCitrus County | Up to $50 | Rain sensor (replacement only): $50 | Source ↗ |
| City of Haines City UtilitiesPolk County | Freeprogram total up to $3,300 | Wireless rain sensor: Free | Source ↗ |
| City of LeesburgLake County | Free (provided by City)program total up to $1,100 | Rain or soil moisture sensor: Free (provided by City) | Source ↗ |
| Orange County UtilitiesOrange County | Free | Replacement rain sensor: Free | Source ↗ |
Amounts as published by each utility; most programs have usage, pre-approval or inspection rules. Open the program page for details.
Rain sensor
Some programs above give a sensor free or pay only for replacements. Check your program’s rules before buying.
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Frequently asked questions
Does Florida law require a rain sensor?
Florida law says anyone who operates an automatic landscape irrigation system must “properly install, maintain, and operate technology that inhibits or interrupts operation of the system during periods of sufficient moisture” (s. 373.62, Fla. Stat.). UF/IFAS explains that this can be a rain sensor or another shutoff device, such as a soil moisture sensor controller or an ET (weather-based) controller (UF/IFAS AE221).
Do I still need a rain sensor with a smart (Wi-Fi) controller?
Under the statute, a properly working soil moisture or ET controller can serve as the shutoff technology (UF/IFAS AE221). UF/IFAS still recommends adding a rain sensor to an ET controller unless the controller measures rainfall on site, because Florida rainfall varies so much from place to place (UF/IFAS smart controller recommendations). Some rebate programs set their own rule: Lakeland, for example, requires an operating rain sensor at inspection (City of Lakeland).
Can I get a rebate if I irrigate with reclaimed, well or pond water?
Often not. Tampa Bay Water Wise's sprinkler parts rebates exclude homes on reclaimed, well or pond water (Tampa Bay Water Wise), and Toho excludes systems using wells, lakes and ponds (Toho). Toho does accept systems on its own irrigation or reclaimed service.
Can rebate money run out?
Yes. Several programs say funds are first-come, first-served until they run out, including Seminole County (Seminole County) and Toho Water Authority (Toho). Confirm with your utility before you buy.