Water Resource Administration at State Level

The Department of Environmental Protection is responsible for the administration of the water resources at the state level, it also exercises general supervisory authority over the state’s five Water Management Districts (WMDs), which are responsible for the administration of the water resources at the regional level.

WMDs take responsibility for all matters concerning water supply, water quality, flood protection and floodplain management and evaluating and protecting natural systems through the implementation of the Minimum Flows and Levels program and through reservations of water.

Quick links

Water Management Districts

State-Wide Water Management Resources

National Resources

Academic Resources

Water Management Districts

Ocala, Florida, Turquoise river surrounded by trees

Water Management Districts

SWFWMD (South-west Florida Water Management District)

SWFWMD Website

The mission of SWFWMD is to protect water resources, minimize flood risks, and ensure the public’s water needs are met.

Permitting Rules

Your online gateway to everything you need for water permits. Whether you need advice or want to get started with your application.

Lawn Watering Restrictions

From lawn watering days, to car washing restrictions. Here's your up to date information source for anything related to water restrictions in this district.

Minimum Flows and Minimum Water Levels

Florida law requires establishment of minimum flows and levels of water bodies to prevent significant harm associated with water withdrawals. Here's what SWFWMD are doing.

District Water Supply/Management Planning

The District Water Management Plan is a comprehensive guide to the SWFWMD's responsibilities for water supply, flood protection, water quality and natural systems.

District Water Conservation Guidelines

Help and advice on what district residents can do to help conserve water so everyone benefits from this much-needed and precious resource.

Southwest view of John T Alsop Jr Bridge Jacksonville

Water Management Districts

SJRWMD (St Johns River Water Management District)

SJRWMD Website

The mission of the SJRWMD is to protect our natural resources and support Florida’s growth by ensuring the sustainable use of Florida’s water for the benefit of the people of the District and the state.

Permitting Rules

The district’s online permitting system, known as ePermit, provides the public and applicants a convenient way to apply for permits or search for permit information.

Lawn Watering Restrictions

Information about current watering restrictions in the district with a water restrictions map, advice on any exceptions to the restrictions and some useful irrigation FAQs.

Minimum Flows and Minimum Water Levels

As a part of fulfilling its mission and statutory responsibilities, the district establishes MFLs for priority water bodies within its boundaries. MFLs define the limits at which further water withdrawals would be significantly harmful to the water resources or ecology of an area.

District Water Supply Management/Planning

Everything residents need to know about the way the water supply is managed. From water supply planning and water use data management to information about reclaimed water and AWS funding opportunities.

District Water Conservation Guidelines

Water conservation is the cornerstone of Florida’s water sustainability. As part of its consumptive use permitting process, the district requires all permit holders to use water as efficiently as possible. Here's how residents can play their part.

Boat heading down a river with tall office buildings in the distance

Water Management Districts

SFWMD (South Florida Water Management District)

SFWMD Website

The SFWMD mission is to safeguard and restore South Florida's water resources and ecosystems, protect communities from flooding, and meet the region's water needs while connecting with the public and stakeholders.

Permitting Rules

Water permits advisory and application information. The gateway for everything related to water permits.

Lawn Watering Restrictions

The SFWMD's year-round landscape watering restrictions (Chapter 40E-24, Florida Administrative Code) are designed to ensure the efficient use of water landscape (includes lawns) irrigation. Here's what you need to know.

Minimum Flows and Minimum Water Levels

Did you know MFLs are established to protect water resources from significant harm resulting from permitted water withdrawals? Establishing MFLs is a requirement of the state Legislature under Subsection 373.042(2), Florida Statutes (F.S.)

District Water Supply Planning

SFWMD develops long-term water supply plans to monitor, evaluate and identify water sources and projects to meet future water needs. It's a critical aspect of SFWMD's work.

District Water Conservation Guidelines

Expert advice and guidance for every aspect of water use in our daily lives. From creating a Florida-Friendly landscape to an online calculator you can use to measure your own water use!

State-Wide Water Management Resources

State-Wide Water Management Resources

Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Florida DEP Website

Up to date storm information and advisory, air quality and more. The Florida DEP is the state’s lead agency for environmental management and stewardship, protecting Florida's air, water and land.

Florida DEP Water Plan

The Florida Water Plan is an annually published document that captures the department's and the water management districts' (WMDs') responsibilities and efforts to maintain and improve the state’s water resources.

Florida DEP Water Resource Management Division

The DWRM implements state laws providing for the protection of the quality of Florida’s drinking water, ground water, rivers, lakes, estuaries, wetlands and the reclamation of mined lands.

Florida's Water

An in-depth section of the DEP website where you can find out where the DEP is actively involved in water - whether it's our lakes and rivers, coral reefs, or the technical work they're involved in.

Florida DEP Hurricane and Tropical Storm Information

Hurricane and tropical storm information from the Department of Water Resource Management at the Florida DEP.

National Resources

National Resources

National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS)

NIDIS Website

The National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) is a multi-agency partnership that coordinates drought monitoring, forecasting, planning, and information at national, tribal, state, and local levels.

National Drought Monitoring Current Conditions

Up to date summary of the current state of drought in the US can be found here. Wherever you are in the country, the maps and data provide real insight into this very important aspect of water availabilty. Better still, the stats are easy to read and understand.

Drought Monitoring Current Conditions for Florida

Just like the national drought information, the Florida state data is equally informative and easy to digest. Dip into the stats to find out what's going on in the state when it comes to drought and water availability.

Sunsetting over the lake at Boynton Beach

National Resources

US Geological Survey (USGS)

USGS Website

We absolutely love this website! The USGS was created by an act of Congress in 1879, and is the sole science agency for the Department of the Interior. It is sought out by thousands of partners and customers for its natural science expertise and its vast earth and biological data holdings.

Water Resources Science

The science behind how we use our water. Learn about the natural hazards that threaten lives and livelihoods; the water, energy, minerals, and other natural resources we rely on; the health of our ecosystems and environment; and the impacts of climate and land-use change. What an amazing resource!

US Water Use Data

Here in the US, just like many other countries, we use water in huge quantities. Just how huge? Here are the answers.

US Irrigation Water Use

Here, the USGS digs deeper (no pun intended!) into how much water we use on irrigating our yards, parks, community areas, golf courses and more. You'll be staggered at the numbers!

Florida Water Use Data

Every citizen contributes to the overall water-use in the state of Florida. Here's what we are using it for.

Academic Resources

Red kayak on river during daytime in Jacksonville

Academic Resources

Water Institute (University of South Florida)

USF Water Institute Website

The Water Institute has a mission to bring together faculty, students and stakeholders to conduct transdisciplinary research, provide innovative educational experiences, and facilitate public outreach to promote science-based solutions to local and global water challenges.

Water Atlas of Lakes

The Florida Atlas of Lakes database contains water quality and hydrology data collected by Florida LAKEWATCH volunteers and Water Atlas program sponsors.

Green trees on body of water in Central Florida

Academic Resources

Water Resource Administration at State Level

Quick links

Water Management Districts

SWFWMD (South-west Florida Water Management District)

SJRWMD (St Johns River Water Management District)

SFWMD (South Florida Water Management District)

State-Wide Water Management Resources

Florida Department of Environmental Protection

National Resources

National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS)

US Geological Survey (USGS)

Academic Resources

Water Institute (University of South Florida)

University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS)