The reevaluation process of minimum levels for Lake Wailes includes technical analysis and scientific review by staff, as well as opportunities for public input.
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) is reevaluating the minimum levels for Lake Wailes in Polk County. District staff have completed a draft report that includes recommendations for new minimum levels for the lake.
To ensure transparency and to gather feedback, the District is providing opportunities for residents, local governments and other interested stakeholders to review the draft report, ask questions and provide comments before the proposed levels move forward in the rulemaking process. All comments received will be considered by District staff and shared with the District’s Governing Board.
MFL Overview
The District is directed by the Florida Legislature to establish minimum flows and levels (MFLs) for priority water bodies within its boundaries. MFLs are intended to protect water resources from significant harm associated with groundwater and surface water withdrawals. Once adopted into District rules, MFLs are used in water supply planning, water use permitting and environmental resource permitting.
For lakes, the District may establish:
Minimum Lake Level (MLL): The elevation that lake water levels are required to equal or exceed 50% of the time on a long-term basis.
High Minimum Lake Level (HMLL): The elevation that lake water levels are required to equal or exceed 10% of the time on a long-term basis.
About Lake Wailes
Lake Wailes is approximately 300 acres and is located within the city of Lake Wales in central Polk County. The lake is part of the Tiger Creek sub-basin of the Kissimmee River Watershed and is located just east of downtown Lake Wales.
Lake Wailes is a closed-basin lake with no surface water inflows or outflows. The lake is replenished by rainfall, runoff and surficial aquifer flow. A public boat ramp is located on the northwest shore, and several areas around the lake provide public recreational access.
Draft Report and Proposed Minimum Levels
Minimum levels for Lake Wailes were previously established in 2015, and currently, Lake Wailes is meeting its Minimum Lake Level (MLL). To evaluate the current minimum levels and determine if they should be revised, District scientists and engineers evaluated available hydrologic and environmental information.
Lake Wailes Minimum Level Reevaluation Draft Report:
The current and proposed minimum levels are:
| Level | Current | Proposed |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Lake Level (MLL) | 104.8 feet NGVD29 | 102.1 feet NGVD29 |
| High Minimum Lake Level (HMLL) | 107.7 feet NGVD29 | 106.3 feet NGVD29 |
The proposed minimum levels differ from those currently in place because the District used newer data, improved models of how water moves through the lake and surrounding area and a scientific standard that accounts for the natural water-level fluctuations of lakes and wetlands in dry, sandy landscapes.
Public Meeting
The District will hold an in-person public meeting to provide information about the Lake Wailes minimum level reevaluation. District staff will present the draft report and proposed minimum levels, explain the MFL development process and answer questions or take comments from the public.
Date: Sept. 30, 2026
Time: 5 p.m.
Location: Lake Wales Public Library
Address: 290 Cypress Garden Ln, Lake Wales, FL 33853
For more information, check out the event posted on the District calendar.
Tentative Schedule
This schedule is tentative and may be updated as the reevaluation and rulemaking process progresses.
- July 14, 2026: Draft report presented to the District’s Environmental Advisory Committee
- Aug. 11, 2026: Draft report presented to the District’s Public Supply Advisory Committee
- Sept. 14, 2026: Draft Lake Wailes MFL report posted and online public comment period opens
- Sept. 30, 2026: Public meeting
- Oct. 9, 2026: Online public comment period closes
- Oct. 27, 2026: Staff present their recommendation to initiate rulemaking to the District’s Governing Board
- Oct. 28, 2026: Rulemaking process begins
Public Comment
Comments may be submitted through the online public comment form below. District staff will review and consider all comments received as the proposed minimum levels move through the review and rulemaking process. Feedback will also be shared with the Governing Board for consideration.
Public comment period: Sept. 14 through Oct. 9, 2026
Comments submitted to the District are subject to Florida’s public records laws.