Burn Ban Holds and Lawn Watering Cut to Once a Week as St. Johns Battles Record Drought

St. Johns County's countywide burn ban remains in effect and lawn watering is capped at once a week, as Northeast Florida sits under one of the most severe droughts on record — restrictions that dictate which day households can run their sprinklers, whether a backyard fire pit or fireworks are allowed, and how families should guard against fast-moving wildfire.

The measures stem from a State of Local Emergency the county first declared April 20, which officials have renewed repeatedly through the spring and into July as dry conditions refused to break. The most recent burn-ban proclamation was posted July 9, according to county communications, continuing emergency powers that began with Emergency Proclamation No. 2026-1 and have been extended in a series of seven-day orders since.

The backdrop: the U.S. Drought Monitor places the entire region under Extreme Drought (D3) conditions — described by officials as the largest D3 coverage in Florida since federal monitoring began in 2000.

What the water rules mean for your household

On May 11, the St. Johns River Water Management District issued a Phase III Extreme Water Shortage Declaration, tightening irrigation rules across St. Johns, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau and Putnam counties, plus portions of others in the district.

The core rules residents need to know:

• Water landscapes only once per week.
• No irrigation between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., when evaporation wastes the most water.
• Limits also apply to new sod installation, pressure washing, and decorative/aesthetic water features.
• The rules cover private wells, surface water, groundwater and utility-supplied water alike.
• Reclaimed water is exempt from the once-a-week schedule.

Officials note that outdoor irrigation is the single largest share of residential water use, which is why cutting back matters during a drought. Utilities Director Neal Shinkre urged residents to adjust their irrigation timers, check systems for leaks, and water only when the lawn actually needs it — small steps that, multiplied across the county, help protect the aquifer and keep service reliable.

The burn ban: no backyard fires, no fireworks

While the water order protects the supply, the burn ban targets ignition risk. Under the current proclamation, all outdoor burning is prohibited, including:

• Yard-debris burning
• Campfires and bonfires, including outdoor fire pits
• Unattended open flames

Emergency officials are also asking residents to avoid everyday habits that can spark a fire in bone-dry vegetation — tossing cigarettes, setting off fireworks, or parking a hot vehicle on dry grass. County leaders warn that in these conditions a fire can ignite easily and spread fast, and that regional wildfire activity in neighboring counties has kept the threat elevated.

How we got here

County Fire Rescue and Emergency Management staff say they are monitoring rainfall, groundwater levels and river flows daily and coordinating with state and regional partners. Regional water managers have signaled that additional restrictions could follow if conditions don't improve — and officials will reassess before each order expires.

What residents can do now

Beyond following the once-a-week schedule, county officials are encouraging homeowners to adopt Florida-Friendly Landscaping practices — drought-tolerant plants, efficient irrigation and better soil management — to ease long-term demand on drinking water. The Utilities Department also continues investing in reclaimed water infrastructure to reduce pressure on potable supplies.

Emergency Management is asking every household to sign up for the Alert St. Johns notification system so residents receive real-time updates as conditions change. You can register and find current details on the St. Johns County news and emergency information pages.

For continuing coverage of the drought, the burn ban and water restrictions, visit St. Johns Community Website and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest alerts. Have a question about your watering day or a wildfire concern in your neighborhood? Join the conversation in our Community Forum. You can also read more local alerts and public safety stories as this situation develops.