Minimizing flood risks is an important part of the mission of the Southwest Florida Water Management District (District). The District and local governments work together to minimize flooding impacts, protect personal property and assist flood victims during and after storm events.
Flooding from a storm or natural disaster
If you are experiencing flooding, your first contact should be your local government. Visit this page to view contact information for county emergency management centers.
Local governments bear much of the responsibility when it comes to flood protection. They are the primary agencies responsible for state-of-emergency declarations, evacuations and rescue efforts during flood-related disasters. They also have the primary responsibility of ensuring that pipes, roadway drainage systems, ditches and canals are adequate, clean and functioning properly.
Contact your local government for problems related to:
- Maintenance of swales, ditches, cross drains and culverts within the right-of-ways on local government-maintained roads
- Emergency pumping to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public
- Drainage complaints that involve runoff from local government roadways, ditches or easements
- Local government easements or right-of-ways
- Local government declared home flooding and emergencies
- Emergency pumping to protect the health, life, safety and welfare of the public
Contact the Southwest Florida Water Management District for drainage complaints or issues related to:
- Stormwater management systems (i.e. retention ponds, swales, etc.) in District-permitted subdivisions and commercial developments; homeowners are advised to contact their HOAs first
- District-maintained structures and canals
Contact the Florida Department of Health for drinking water, septic-related and water quality concerns.
For a detailed list of Emergency Operation Centers (EOC), county contact information and more visit our Flooding and Drainage Contact Information webpage.