Water conservation rebates open early for Apopka-area groups and properties
St. Johns River Water Management District offers up to $10,000 per applicant for eligible water-saving projects
Local governments, small utilities, homeowners associations and multifamily properties can apply early for the St. Johns River Water Management District’s water conservation rebates. The program covers up to half of eligible project costs, with a $10,000 annual limit per applicant.
Photo created by AI. Inside photos from SJRWMD.
Posted
From the St. Johns River Water Management District
In Summary:
The St. Johns River Water Management District is accepting early qualification applications for its next water conservation rebate program. Eligible projects include smart irrigation controllers, irrigation upgrades, and indoor fixture replacements. Applicants must qualify and execute a cost-share agreement before beginning their projects, and rebates are available on a first-come, first-served basis until funding runs out.
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In 2023, the Water Conservation team at the St. Johns River Water Management District (District) developed and launched the Water Conservation Rebate Program to support eligible non-agricultural water conservation projects.
Related: Recent rainfall brings relief, but regional water recovery remains slow.
Through this program, local governments, small utilities, HOA and property owner associations, and private and publicly owned multi-family properties can apply for cost-share rebates on certain eligible water-saving items/services, specifically:
- Florida Water StarSM certification for new residential construction
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WaterSense-labeled smart irrigation controllers
- Irrigation conversions (high-volume spray to a high-efficiency rotary nozzle or microirrigation)
- Irrigation evaluations and timer modifications
- Landscape soil amendments (for new residential construction)
- Indoor fixture retrofits (toilets, sinks, and showers)
- H2OSAV subscription
The cost-share rebate will cover up to 50% of actual costs, up to a designated not-to-exceed maximum amount per item/service. (Note: Labor, installation, and design costs from a third party or contractor are included as eligible expenses.) Applicants cannot receive more than $10,000 in rebates per fiscal year. Approved programs will be rebated on a “first-come, first-served” basis until program funds are depleted.
After downloading a copy of the Water Conservation Cost-Share Rebate Handbook, applicants should follow the steps below for their project to be considered.
Step 1: Qualification of applicants and projects
Step 2: Project approval/issuance of water conservation rebate cost-share agreement
- Once the Qualification Application has been approved, the District will issue a water conservation rebate cost-share agreement to the applicant.
- Once the agreement is executed, the applicant may proceed with their project.
Step 3: Reimbursement though the rebate program
FY 2026–27 key dates
- October 1, 2026 – Start of fiscal year (FY) 2026–27 program. Qualification applications can be submitted prior to October 1, 2026. If qualified prior to October 1, eligible expenses may be incurred on or after October 1. For qualifications after October 1, eligible expenses may be incurred after the day of qualification.
- September 30, 2027 – Last day of FY 2026–27 program. Last day eligible expenses may be incurred.
- October 29, 2027 – Last day eligible expenses may be submitted for reimbursement.
Applicants may contact Kraig McLane at kmclane@sjrwmd.com or Gretchen Smith at gcsmith@sjrwmd.com with questions.
Documents for the remainder of FY 2025-26 (ending September 30, 2026):
Key Points
- Eligible applicants include local governments, small utilities, homeowners and property owner associations, and multifamily properties.
- Rebates cover up to 50% of eligible costs, subject to limits for each item or service.
- Applicants can receive no more than $10,000 per fiscal year.
- Qualification applications can be submitted before Oct. 1.
- Applicants should review the program handbook and complete the online qualification form before starting a project.
Keywords
Apopka water conservation,
St. Johns River Water Management District,
water conservation rebates,
smart irrigation,
irrigation upgrades,
multifamily properties,
homeowners associations,
WaterSense
