Tampa Bay Water Blog

Tampa Bay Water’s board approved a two-year funding agreement to continue supporting the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) programs in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties. This long-standing partnership, which began in 1995, educates residents, businesses and homeowner associations on adopting sustainable landscaping practices that conserve water and protect the environment. 

In 2024 alone, the tri-county programs achieved impressive results: 

• More than 55 million gallons of water saved—equivalent to approximately 152,000 gallons per day. 
• 101 presentations and workshops reached more than 4,500 citizens. 
• 337 landscape and irrigation evaluations conducted with homeowners and homeowner associations. 

The FFL programs offer hands-on assistance and educational outreach to help property owners implement Florida-friendly principles—such as using drought-tolerant plants, reducing fertilizer use and improving irrigation efficiency. These efforts not only conserve water but also enhance water quality by minimizing runoff and chemical use. 

Staff from each county will continue working directly with communities to promote Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles, helping to build healthier landscapes and a more sustainable future for the Tampa Bay region. 

To take advantage of FFL services, contact your County Extension office: 

• Hillsborough County 
• Pasco County 
• Pinellas County