As Florida’s population surges towards a projected 33 million by 2070, pressure on the state’s precious water resources is intensifying. With approximately 22 million residents already tapping into the same source, largely the Floridan aquifer, to irrigate their lawns, the need for conservation has never been more critical. To safeguard this limited supply, cities, counties, and water management districts across the state have implemented irrigation restrictions.
However, newly published research from University of Florida social scientists reveals a significant hurdle in these conservation efforts: nearly 40% of Floridians subject to these rules mistakenly believe they are voluntary.
“That’s a major disconnect and helps explain why compliance remains a challenge, despite policies,” stated study co-author John Diaz, an associate professor of agricultural education and communication at UF/IFAS. “It’s a reminder that enforcement alone isn’t enough — awareness and communication are critical.”…