Media Kit

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) manages the water resources for west-central Florida as directed by state law.

The District encompasses roughly 10,000 square miles in all or part of 16 counties and serves a population of nearly 6 million people. The goal of the District is to meet the water needs of current and future water users while protecting and preserving the water resources within its boundaries.

A 13-member Governing Board oversees District activities. Members are unpaid volunteers appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the state Senate to set policy and administer the budget.

District funding comes from ad valorem property taxes, along with other intergovernmental sources. While the Legislature allows a tax levy up to 1 mill ($1 for each $1,000 of assessed land value), the actual tax levy has been less than the maximum.

The District was established in 1961 as a flood protection agency. Since then, its responsibilities have grown to include managing the water supply, protecting water quality and preserving natural systems that serve important water-related functions.