St. Augustine grass is the most common lawn grass in Tampa Bay and thrives in Florida's heat and humidity with moderate water. It establishes quickly and handles partial shade better than Zoysia. Zoysia is denser, more drought-tolerant once established, and has fewer pest issues — but it goes dormant and turns brown during dry cool periods. For most Valrico homeowners, St. Augustine with proper irrigation and fertilization is the easier choice, but Zoysia is worth considering if you want a lower-maintenance, pest-resistant lawn.