There was a time that zoysia looked like the answer to all the problems with grass here in Florida (and everywhere else as well) but we have all learned that is not the case.
ENH979/EP236: Homeowner Best Management Practices for the Home Lawn (care of zoysia)
The Villages is no longer using zoysia in their new builds because of extensive problems south of 466a and other areas in The Villages. They are using St Augustine floratam. This is not to say that St Augustine has no problems. There are 2 problems with St Augustine that are rather large. One being chinch bugs. They like it hot and start chewing the grass usually along the cement driveway, the sidewalk or street. The problem can be successfully treated. Ask at Lowes, Home Depot or Ace Hdwre for something to eradicate cinch bug. (
Chinch Bug Identification and Treatment - YouTube) I got very upset when we first moved here and there were so many turf problems. I no longer sweat it. I just pick up the phone and call Massey.
The other problem is large patch (formerly called brown patch). That is a fungus and starts when the nights are cool and the days are warm. It can be exacerbated if the lawn is watered too early in the evening and the grass is wet all night. Once the lawn gets large patch, it will always have it so that it has to be treated proactively with the appropriate fungicide. Use plugs of St Augustine floratam after you clear up active large patch (spring).
SS-PLP-5/LH044: Large Patch
The other 'sometimes' problem with both zoysia and St Augustine is mole crickets. It seems that some neighborhoods have more problems with them than others. The mole crickets are attracted to lawns with heavy thatch. Imdacloprid controls mole crickets.
Mole Cricket Control – Tips For Mole Cricket Elimination