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Irrigation maintenance: what to ask and what to put in writing

Wet checks, repair approvals, controller programming and backflow testing for Florida communities.

General information for Florida associations. This isn't legal advice. Check your governing documents and ask your association's attorney about your situation. Last reviewed October 2026.

Irrigation problems show up as brown turf, flooded beds and surprise water bills. A clear service agreement keeps them small.

Put these in writing

  • Wet checks: how often every zone is run and inspected, and what the written report includes (zone, issue, fix, photos).
  • Included repairs (heads, nozzles, minor line breaks) versus billable repairs, with a dollar approval limit.
  • Controller programming: who sets schedules, and how they follow your water management district's watering restrictions and local ordinances.
  • Backflow testing: whether annual testing and certification are included, as many local utilities require.
  • Emergency response for mainline breaks and stuck valves.
  • Coordination with the landscaper, if they're separate companies. Who fixes heads damaged by mowers?

Questions to ask

  • Do you provide an as-built map or zone list, and will you update it?
  • What's your hourly rate and parts markup for extra work?
  • Can you recommend upgrades (smart controllers, rain sensors) with an estimated payback?

Check any required licenses on MyFloridaLicense.com and with your county, and get insurance certificates.

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