Buyer's guide

Best Smart Irrigation Controllers That Qualify for Florida Rebates (2026)

Four WaterSense labeled controllers and one rain sensor, matched to the Florida programs that pay for them.

Affiliate links: as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. It doesn't change which products we list. Every controller listed is on the EPA WaterSense list.

Last verified Oct 18, 2026. Product facts come from each manufacturer's page. WaterSense status comes from the EPA WaterSense product list.

Read this before you buy. A WaterSense label doesn't guarantee a rebate. Every program has its own rules: replacement only, pre-qualification, contractor install, an evaluation first, or receipts within a deadline. Check your program before you spend money.

The short list

Most homeowners choose based on budget, brand and the app they prefer. All four apps are free to download, so compare them before you buy.

ControllerBrandAppZonesMounting (per manufacturer)
Rachio 3 8ZULW-CRachioRachio app8 (4 and 16 also sold)Indoor; outdoor with Rachio Weatherproof EnclosureAmazon ↗
ARC8Rain BirdRain Bird app8Indoor/outdoorAmazon ↗
B-hyve XR 57985OrbitB-hyve app8 (16 also sold)Indoor/outdoorAmazon ↗
Hydrawise HPC-400HunterHydrawise4, modular to 23 (32 with decoders)Plastic wall-mount cabinet, IP44Amazon ↗

The controllers

Rachio 3, 8-zone

BrandRachio
Model8ZULW-C
AppRachio app
MountingIndoor. Outdoor mounting requires the Rachio 3 Weatherproof Enclosure (sold separately).
Zones8 zones (4- and 16-zone versions also sold)
WaterSenseYes. Listed as a standalone controller on the EPA WaterSense product list.
  • Weather Intelligence skips or adjusts watering for rain, wind and freeze
  • App control, no monthly fee; works with Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings and others
  • Shared access for family or your lawn pro
  • Runs on the included AC adapter

Rain Bird ARC8

BrandRain Bird
ModelARC8
AppRain Bird app
MountingIndoor/outdoor
Zones8 stations, plus master valve/pump start and a rain/freeze sensor input
WaterSenseYes. Listed as a standalone controller on the EPA WaterSense product list.
  • Indoor/outdoor cabinet
  • 3 programs (A, B, C) with 4 start times each
  • Seasonal adjust 5% to 200% from local weather and forecast
  • Rain delay up to 14 days; 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only

Orbit B-hyve XR, 8-station

BrandOrbit
Model57985
AppB-hyve app
MountingIndoor/outdoor
Zones8 stations (16-station version also sold); supports wireless valves
WaterSenseYes. Listed as a standalone controller on the EPA WaterSense product list.
  • Indoor/outdoor rated
  • Bluetooth plus 2.4 and 5 GHz Wi-Fi
  • Four program slots (A to D), multiple start times for cycle and soak
  • Can power a pump start relay and one valve at the same time

Hunter Hydrawise HPC-400

BrandHunter
ModelHPC-400
AppHydrawise app/software
MountingPlastic wall-mount cabinet, IP44 rated
Zones4 stations base, modular to 23 conventional (up to 32 with EZ decoders)
WaterSenseYes. Listed as a standalone controller on the EPA WaterSense product list.
  • Predictive Watering from local temperature, rain probability, wind and humidity
  • 6 programs, 6 start times each; 2 sensor inputs
  • Wire fault detection; optional flow meter for leak and broken-head alerts
  • Color touchscreen; 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only
  • Hunter markets it to contractors; it works with Hunter Roam remotes

Rain sensor

Florida law requires anyone who installs an automatic irrigation system to install, maintain and operate technology that interrupts it during periods of sufficient moisture (s. 373.62(1), Fla. Stat.). Several programs pay for a rain sensor; some only for a replacement.

Rain Bird WR2 wireless rain/freeze sensor

BrandRain Bird
ModelWR2-RFC
WaterSenseNo WaterSense category exists for rain sensors.
  • Works with standard 24 VAC controllers
  • Rain set points from 1/8 to 1/2 inch; freeze set points 33 to 41°F
  • Up to 700 ft line-of-sight signal; battery rated four or more years
  • Quick Shut Off stops an active cycle in about two minutes

Which programs accept it

The rules that trip people up most often:

ProgramController rebateRules (from the official page)
OUC (Orlando Utilities Commission)
Orange
Standalone WaterSense smart controller: 100% of cost up to $200 (bill credit)Potable customers with in-ground irrigation; no add-on/plug-in devices; apply within 6 months of purchase; max 2 per property.
Toho Water Authority
Osceola
WaterSense smart controller, add-on or plug-in: $145 bill creditResidential only; request a confirmation number first, then submit receipt and photo within 30 days. Purchases Oct 1, 2024 to Oct 31, 2027 or until funds run out.
JEA
Duval
WaterSense smart irrigation controller: $150Residential customers; 1 controller rebate per premises every 7 years; apply within 90 days.
Seminole County Utilities
Seminole
WaterSense smart irrigation controller: up to $200 (bill credit)Install first and photograph before and after; receipt dated on or after Oct 1, 2026; possible on-site check.
City of Winter Haven Utilities
Polk
WaterSense smart controller (replacing a standard controller): 75% of cost, up to $3003-month average of at least 15,000 gal/month (verified by utility); controller installed and working at inspection. Funding limited, first-come first-served.
City of Haines City Utilities
Polk
WaterSense smart controller: 65% of cost, up to $300Single-family, multi-family and commercial properties; cost-per-square-foot limit applies to landscape conversions. Check with your water utility.
City of Lakeland Water Utilities
Polk
WaterSense smart controller (replacing a standard controller): Amount not published3-month average of at least 14,000 gal/month; controller installed with an operating rain sensor at inspection. Email SaveWater@lakelandgov.net for the application.
Polk Regional Water Cooperative (participating utilities)
Polk
Smart irrigation controller: up to $200 or $350 depending on utilityAverage use of at least 14,000 gal/month (see source for full terms); participating utilities only.
City of Apopka
Orange
Smart irrigation controller: 50%, up to $200City irrigation evaluation required; install before applying, City inspects; one-time per property; account must be current.
City of Leesburg
Lake
Smart controller (replacing non-weather-based): 50%, up to $100Pre-approval and on-site assessment required before purchase; install and final inspection within 60 days. Product cost only (except micro conversion). Not for reclaimed-water customers.
Citrus County Utilities
Citrus
WaterSense controller upgrade: $100 account creditIn-ground system on utility water (no private wells); 1 controller per 10 years; training required before credit.
Bonita Springs Utilities
Lee
WaterSense controller (replacement): up to $150Utility-supplied in-ground system (no wells); either the controller OR the rain sensor rebate, not both; product cost only; inspection within 60 days for controllers.
Tampa Bay Water Wise: Sprinkler Parts & Evaluation
Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas
WaterSense weather-based controller: $100Single-family homeowners on potable water; working system; no new construction or expansions.
Tampa Bay Water Wise: Smart Controller (pre-qualified homes)
Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas
Smart controller or soil moisture sensor (device): up to $125Pre-qualified single-family homes (about 18,000+ gal/month potable use on average), 2+ years old, in-ground potable system, licensed contractor install.
Manatee County Utilities
Manatee
Rain shut-off device (rain sensor, ET controller, soil moisture sensor): 100% of cost up to $150Potable in-ground system; average use over 8,500 gal/month over 2 years; backflow preventer; Extension evaluation before and after.
Miami-Dade Water and Sewer (WASD)
Miami-Dade
WaterSense smart controller or soil moisture sensor: up to $400; Mechanical to smart controller conversion: up to $500Free UF/IFAS pre-assessment required BEFORE any work; itemized invoices and proof of payment; $500 max per program year (Oct 1–Sep 30) for up to 5 years.
City of Cape Coral
Lee
Smart irrigation system (WaterSense controller + soil moisture sensors, 70%+ efficiency): $500 cashSystem must be verified by the City Building Department as meeting the 70%+ efficiency standard.

Converting beds to drip? See drip kits and Florida drip rebates.

How to claim your rebate

  1. Find your program. Look up your county page or enter your ZIP. Make sure the utility on your water bill is the one running the program.
  2. Check eligibility before you buy. Look for pre-qualification, water-use minimums, a required evaluation or pre-approval, and whether reclaimed or well water is excluded.
  3. Buy a qualifying model. Keep the dated receipt showing brand and model number. Some programs also want a screenshot showing the WaterSense listing.
  4. Install it the way the program requires. Some require a licensed contractor. Take before and after photos with the cover open.
  5. Apply on time. Deadlines run from 30 days (Toho, after your confirmation number) to 6 months (OUC). Most pay as a bill credit.

Affiliate links: as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. It doesn't change which products we list. Every controller listed is on the EPA WaterSense list.