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The World’s Deadliest Lightning? »
The Southwest Florida Water Management District includes Florida’s notorious “Lightning Belt.” It is famous because of the number of thunderstorms and lightning strikes that occur here. They don’t call the hockey team the “Tampa Bay Lightning” for nothing. Florida’s lightning strikes are thought to be especially powerful, thanks to the huge, highly charged clouds that form here. How powerful are they? Hot bolts have temperatures above 14,000°C.… Read more
Lobbyist Registration Process Frequently Asked Questions »
Pursuant to Section 112.3261, Florida Statutes, starting July 1, 2014, a person may not lobby a water management district until such person has registered with that district. A person wanting to lobby the Southwest Florida Water Management District is urged to read the full… Read more
Contact Our Permitting Staff »
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
Equestrian »
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
Weeki Wachee Carrying Capacity Study – Your Questions Answered »
What is the Weeki Wachee Carrying Capacity Study? The Weeki Wachee Carrying Capacity Study is an ecologically-based study of the Weeki Wachee River in Hernando County. The goal of the study was to evaluate the effects of recreational use on the natural systems of the river, as its growing popularity and increased visitor traffic have led to concerns about potential degradation of the river and its ecosystems. Who conducted the study? Third-party consultant Wood… Read more
Dave Kramer, Environmental Resource Permit Bureau Chief »
As bureau chief of Environmental Resource Permitting (ERP), Dave Kramer is responsible for setting goals and objectives for the bureau, developing and managing the budget and financial decisions, managing direct reports (ERP managers, chief environmental scientists, agricultural team staff) and executing environmental resource permitting and compliance. In addition, Kramer collaborates with other bureaus and divisions, serving as a member of the Senior Staff team,… Read more
Project WET Teacher Workshops »
Project WET is not just for science teachers! This multidisciplinary program places special focus on incorporating reading and writing strategies while teaching about water resources through hands-on, investigative and easy-to-use activities. The Project WET Curriculum and Activity Guide 2.0 contains 90 water-related activities for K–12 students. All workshops are conducted by trained facilitators. What do workshop participants receive?
  • Project WET 2.0…
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Chassahowitzka River »
The Chassahowitzka Springs form the headwaters of the Chassahowitzka River in the town of Homosassa. It is considered one of the more scenic rivers in Florida as it flows nearly seven miles through mostly undeveloped area before discharging into the Gulf of America near the Citrus and Hernando County border. Most of the lands adjacent to the river are in public ownership, meaning they will retain much of their natural beauty for generations to come.… Read more
Jerry Mallams, Operations Bureau Chief »
As Operations bureau chief, Jerry Mallams is responsible for overseeing a wide range of activities, including structure operations, land management, construction and data collection. He oversees the 85 District-owned flood control and water conservation structures and canal rights-of-way within the 16-county area. In addition, he oversees the maintenance of 271,000 acres of District conservation lands. His bureau provides construction services for hydrologic restoration… Read more
Weeki Wachee Natural System Carrying Capacity Study »
Project Overview An ecologically-based study was completed to evaluate how recreational use affects natural systems along the Weeki Wachee River in Hernando County, Florida. The study, known as a carrying capacity study, is intended to provide information to assist in making decisions that will better manage impacts of recreational use on this natural system. Background The beauty of the river makes it a popular site for recreational activities. There are… Read more
FAQs: ePermitting Modernization Project »
Why is the Water Management Information System (WMIS) that provides Environmental Resource Permitting (ERP) and eCompliance functions, data and documents being replaced?Although, the existing system is functional, the process is challenging, and the product lifecycle is ending. Users of the system such as District staff, external consultants and permittees often find system errors and inconsistent functionality. The completion of the ePermitting Modernization Project… Read more
Welcome to the Alafia River Watershed Excursion »
Take a journey down the Alafia River. Spanish explorers called it the Hunting River. Mocoso Indians called it River of Fire. It’s a historic water body with a prehistoric name that spans 25 miles long in west-central Florida. Let's get started on our excursion Read more
Splash! School Grants »
The Splash! school grant program provides up to $3,000* per school to enhance student knowledge of freshwater resources issues. Public and charter school teachers of grades K-12 are eligible to apply.  Grant applications for the 2025-2026 school year will open in July. All interested applicants need to to review the Splash! grant overview… Read more
Noticing Information »
Register or Login for Permit Noticing by Email » By clicking on the link directly above, account holders can subscribe to receive information by email about new applications or agency action. An email notification will be sent daily based on the criteria entered and when applicable.… Read more
Lower Peace River/Lower Shell Creek »
The District reevaluated minimum flows for the Lower Peace River and developed new minimum flows for Lower Shell Creek. The minimum flows for the Lower Peace River became effective in 2021 and minimum flows for Lower Shell Creek became effective in 2022.OverviewMinimum flows are limits for flowing water bodies established by the District Governing Board to help prevent significant harm to the water resources or ecology of an area that may be caused by water withdrawals.The… Read more
Current Opportunities »
View Current Openings » It takes a variety of roles to fulfill the District’s mission “To protect water resources, minimize flood risks, and ensure the public’s water needs are met.”  Here’s a sample of career opportunities the District could offer you:
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Where the River Begins »
The Peace River begins in northern Polk County at the junction of Saddle Creek and the Peace Creek Drainage Canal northeast of the city of Bartow. From there, it runs approximately 105 miles south to the Charlotte Harbor estuary, where it blends with the outflows of the Caloosahatchee and the Myakka rivers. Its watershed encompasses more than 2,300 square miles and is called the Peace River Valley by locals. A watershed is an area of land that water… Read more
Video Gallery »
Watch videos on a variety of District topics from the latest projects to water conservation initiatives. Explore District lands through virtual visits and discover how you can protect various spring systems. Plus, learn about the District’s mission, history and career opportunities. Read more