Florida-friendly landscapes
Learn more about the principles of Florida-friendly landscapes…
Download Self-evaluation application 
Tampa Bay Builders Association self-evaluation application
deadline: February 1, 2008
Pasco Builders Association self-evaluation application
deadline: January 31, 2008
This program calls attention to the efforts of good water stewards in the building industry.
Developers, builders, architects, landscape contractors and others in the industry make the majority of decisions concerning new landscapes being created in the state. They, and the companies that they contract with, will continue to influence the future of Florida's water resources.
To call attention to the efforts of good water stewards in the building industry, the District has created the Water-Wise Landscape Recognition Program. The program will spotlight new and retrofitted water-conserving commercial landscapes, including model homes.
View the 2008 winning entries and learn more about the program.
Criteria
The following criteria must be met for your landscape to be eligible for this recognition program:
- Your landscape must be thriving without irrigation or through irrigation that follows local watering restrictions.
- Your landscape and irrigation system design must be consistent with local codes in place at the time your landscape was installed.
- If fitted with a programmable irrigation system controller(s), your irrigation system must include an automatic rain shutoff device for each controller.
- All other aspects of your landscape and irrigation system must comply with applicable state and local requirements.
Evaluation
Florida Yards & Neighborhoods (FYN) Program staff at county Extension office provide the expertise for evaluating landscapes. A landscape self-evaluation that totals 60 or more points qualifies as a nominee for recognition. Qualifying landscapes are provided an attractive, weather-resistant sign for their landscape indicating that it is a Water-Wise landscape. The District cooperatively funds FYN programs in 11 counties within its 16-county area.
Find more information on the county Extension office in your area…
Application
The Water-Wise Landscape Recognition Self-Evaluation Application contains five judging areas that pertain to water conservation: retention of existing trees/vegetation, reduced stormwater runoff, landscape design and plant selection, efficient irrigation and waterfront considerations. Sixty points, totaled from all five topics, are all that are needed before mailing the application to the appropriate county Extension office.
