This is an incorrectly installed irrigation rain sensor that was installed years ago by a landscaper or irrigation company. It is located underneath 5 - yes FIVE - live oak trees and will never be able to receive rainfall. Since 1981, it’s been a Florida law (FS 373.62) that all automatic irrigation systems must have a working rain sensor that turns the system off when there has been enough rainfall. This technology (like all equipment) works correctly when it is located properly in a spot that is unobstructed and can receive rainfall easily and maintained on a regular basis. Most irrigation rain sensors cost less than $75 and will save thousands of gallons of water a year and hundreds of dollars for the homeowner. Every home with an automatic irrigation system, (no matter when the irrigation system was installed) is legally requited to have a rain sensor. If your landscaper doesn’t know if you have a working rain sensor on your irrigation system, that’s a red flag. They should be checking it regularly.