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The District’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is at Level 2 activation and EOC staff are closely monitoring Invest 97L. It is forecasted to become a tropical depression over the weekend and early next week over the eastern Gulf of America near the Florida Peninsula. Though still developing, the storm has the potential to bring significant rainfall to our area.We will notify staff of any potential storm preparations or office closures as more information becomes available… Read more

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) considers feral hogs an invasive exotic species. Hogs negatively impact wetlands and other habitats by “rooting” up the soil while searching for food. They prey on native wildlife, compete with native species for food and transmit diseases to other wildlife, livestock and humans. Additionally, hogs may facilitate the spread of exotic plant species by transporting seeds and/or providing germination sites through… Read more

This Statement of Agency Organization and Operation (“Statement”) is issued and maintained as required by Sections 120.53 and 120.54, Florida Statutes (“F.S.”) and Chapter 28-101, Florida Administrative Code (“F.A.C.”). This Statement is intended to assist the public in understanding how the Southwest Florida Water Management District operates, how it is organized, and how to do business or interact with the District.Introduction: What is the Southwest… Read more

Regular irrigation maintenance is important to reduce water waste and help create a healthy environment for your landscape. Look for Broken or Misdirected Sprinkler Heads Sprinkler heads can accidently be knocked during lawn maintenance or from a passerby. Look for these signs of a broken or misdirected sprinkler head.

• Water is shooting into the air or not spraying correctly. 
• Water is pooling around the base of a sprinkler head. 
• …

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An efficient irrigation system is designed to deliver the appropriate amount of water to match the needs of turfgrass and plant beds. Irrigation ZonesAn in-ground irrigation system typically waters the landscape in sections instead of all at once. These different sections are referred to as “irrigation zones.” Properly designed irrigation zones are important for three key reasons:

1. Not all plants within the landscape need the same amount of water.
2. …

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 The area is an ideal place where visitors, from school groups to master birders, can visit and explore some of central Florida’s flora and fauna found in a natural state that has had little modification by man. The area contains a variety of different habitat types with a wide diversity of plant life. These types include, but are not limited to, sandhills, flatwoods, oak hammocks, river swamp and cypress ponds. The characteristic cypress ponds that dot the landscape… Read more

The Splash! school grant program provides up to $3,000 per teacher to enhance student knowledge of freshwater resources issues. Public and charter school teachers of grades K through 12 are eligible to apply.COMPLETING YOUR APPLICATIONBefore completing a grant application, be prepared with the following:Grant Topic: Review the grant topics and associated details below. Select one or more grant topics and plan your associated key concepts,… Read more

NEW Regulatory Inquiry Form: An easy way to directly connect with the appropriate permitting staff regarding your comments, questions or citizen complaints. Your submittal will be routed to appropriate staff, who will contact you back by phone or email with a response. You also have the option to remain anonymous.… Read more

Viewing the pine flatwoods, cypress ponds and wildlife-filled wetlands on horseback is one of the many great recreational experiences that can be enjoyed on District lands. A Time-Honored Tradition Long-distance rides, multiday rides and overnight trail camping are some of the unique equestrian opportunities offered. Lands that have enough trail miles for a half-day ride or longer are generally open for equestrian use. Equestrian parking areas have been designed to… Read more

The Tampa Bypass Canal System helps prevent the Hillsborough River from flooding by diverting water around the cities of Tampa and Temple Terrace.   Hurricane Donna caused widespread flooding throughout Tampa and the surrounding area in 1960. The city experienced significant river flooding caused by rainfall, runoff and storm surge. In response, the Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) was created in 1961 by a special act of the Florida… Read more

View Current Openings »Dive in, explore your potential, and commit to a cause that matters — for today and generations to come.     Are you seeking an opportunity to learn from experienced professionals? Want to build a foundation now for a career of substance in your future? Then… Read more

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) manages lands under its stewardship for the protection of water resources and natural systems through the application of effective, efficient and fiscally responsible land management practices. The purposes and attributes for which the lands were acquired provide the foundation for designating the appropriate land use and management strategies on the lands. As stewards of more than 343,000 acres of land within the 16… Read more

 The Myakka River, designated as an Outstanding Florida Water, flows through the northeast portion of the forest, dividing the forest into two tracts, with the larger portion on the west side of the river. Big Slough (also called Myakkahatchee Creek) enters the forest at the northeast and drains into the Myakka River. The western section of the property contains much of the headwaters of Rock Creek, a tributary to Lemon Bay, which is also part of the Charlotte Harbor… Read more

Rainbow Springs is known for its outstanding water clarity and is popular for swimming and paddling. About the SpringsThe Rainbow River is a first-magnitude spring system originating in Marion County. Rainbow Springs is the headwaters of this short, freshwater river flowing nearly 6 miles from the… Read more

A joint acquisition effort between the District and the state, the preserve consists of various noncontiguous parcels that partially surround the Charlotte Harbor estuary and its major tributaries. All lands are managed as a state park. The preserve is regionally important because it provides protection to the Gasparilla… Read more

The District establishes Minimum Flows and Levels (MFLs) to help protect water resources. An MFL is a regulation to protect springs, spring runs, rivers, lakes, wetlands and aquifers from ground and surface water withdrawals that would cause significant harm. OverviewMinimum flows and levels are limits established by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) Governing Board for surface waters and groundwater that are intended to prevent significant harm… Read more

This property lies along the southern bank of the Withlacoochee River at the northern end of the Tsala Apopka Lake system. The Withlacoochee River is designated as an Outstanding Florida Water, which makes the river highly suitable for recreation, fishing and wildlife. This location on the river is very attractive to recreation users seeking to experience a serene canoe ride or pleasurable hike along the riverbank. Purchased jointly by the state of Florida and the… Read more

You’ve learned how water continuously moves through the natural water cycle, but did you know that humans have created the urban water cycle? The urban water cycle refers to the ways that humans have engineered systems to capture, clean, use and return water to the environment. With an increase in population and growing demand for water, the urban water cycle can put pressure on traditional water supply sources, such as groundwater… Read more

The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board voted Tuesday to elect officers for the 2025-2026 term. John Mitten was elected chair of the Governing Board. Mitten represents Hernando and Marion counties and is the franchise owner of Chick-fil-A in Spring Hill. Mitten was appointed to the Governing Board in October 2020 and was reappointed in August 2024.Jack Bispham was elected vice chair of the Governing Board. Bispham represents Manatee County and is… Read more

This reclaimed water project reduces groundwater pumping and wastewater nutrient loading in the Crystal River/Kings Bay springshed. Project Overview The project provides highly treated wastewater, known as reclaimed water, from the City of Crystal River to the Duke Energy power plant in Citrus County. Infrastructure was built to transport all reclaimed water from the City of Crystal River’s wastewater sprayfield to the Duke Energy power generation complex, located west… Read more