Frequently Asked Questions

The Suwannee River Water Management District is one of five water management districts established by the Florida Legislature by the enactment of Chapter 373, the "Florida Water Resources Act of 1972." The District provides services to a 15 county area in north central Florida.

If you are a property owner, your tax bill will indicate which district you live in. You can also do a search through the Florida Water Management Districts Permitting Portal.

The District provides services in the areas of water supply, water quality, flood control, and natural systems as prescribed by Chapter 373, Florida Statutes. Further details are available in the District’s strategic plan and work plan and budget.

The ground waters of the State of Florida are considered the property of all the state and therefore not owned by individual land owners. The ad valorem taxes that are levied by the District are not charges for the use of water, which is a state resource, but are charges to support the ongoing management activities of the District.

The District provides a millage rate to the tax collector. The tax collector applies the millage to your property value, which is established by the property appraiser.

The taxes paid to the Suwannee River Water Management District are calculated on the basis of the millage rate established by the District and the property valuation established by your county Property Appraiser. The District has not increased its millage since 1994.

For all practical purposes, staff reports to the relevant District governing board and the governing boards report to the Governor. Additionally, Chapter 373, Florida Statutes, gives the Florida Department of Environmental Protection(DEP) "general supervisory authority" over the state's five water management districts and directs DEP to delegate water resources programs to them where possible.

The District is governed by a nine member Governing Board, which is appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. Governing Board members are volunteers and serve without compensation. The Governing Board employs an executive director, legal counsel, and an independent auditor. The Executive Director employs staff to carry out District responsibilities.

Chapter 373, Florida Statutes, instructs the District to provide for the management of water and land-related resources. Management activities are focused on water supply, water quality, flood protection and natural systems. The District in turn adopts budgets, rules, policies, programs, projects, and activities in order to carry out the above legislative mandates.

The Suwannee River Partnership was formed in 1999 as a coalition of state, federal and regional agencies, local governments, and private industry representatives working together to reduce nitrate levels in surface waters and groundwater.