To protect the District's ability to utilize the "Works of the District" for the purposes for which they were acquired, while providing for other appropriate compatible public and private uses. The "Works of the District" include the canal and levee rights of way of the Central and Southern Florida Flood Control Project and related Water Conservation Areas along with the works of the Big Cypress Basin and other canal and rights of way in which the District has acquired a property interest.
Keeping rights of way clear is everone's responsibility. Learn How You Can Help.
Who We Are:
The staff of the Right of Way Division are committed to protecting the District's ability to utilize the "Works of the District" for the purposes for which they were acquired, while providing for other appropriate compatible public and private uses. Generally, the "Works of the District" include the canal and levee rights of way of the Central and Southern Florida Flood Control Project and related Water Conservation Areas along with The Works of the Big Cypress Basin and other canals and rights of way in which the District has acquired a property interest. This role is carried out through the Right of Way Occupancy Permitting function that authorizes, by means of a permit, compatible uses; and the Compliance and Enforcement effort that brings unauthorized but allowable uses under permit, causes the removal of unacceptable uses, as well as insuring permitted facilities are constructed to specifications.
In managing District lands, the Right of Way Division coordinates its efforts with the Department of Operations and Maintenance and is supported by the Office of Counsel. The Right of Way Division also coordinates with the Real Estate Division on the management of lands where leasing is appropriate and the Real Estate Division also supports the permitting and enforcement effort by providing information needed in determining the District's land ownership interests. The Office of Government and Public Affairs also supports the Right of Way effort by making the public aware of the District's mission, our maintenance access needs and the need to obtain prior approval before placing encroachments within the canal and levee rights of way.
The Right of Way program's primary initiatives include protecting the District's real property ownership interests through permitting, compliance monitoring, and enforcement subject to the District's Right of Way Permitting Rules (40E-6).
Customer Service:
Customer service is a number one priority of the Right of Way Division. All members of the Right of Way staff recognize the importance of good customer relations and strive to obtain a goal of 100% customer satisfaction.
Customers served by the Right of Way program are:
Governmental entities which wish to utilize the right of ways with public works projects (bridges, utilities, and other public services);
Private landowners and commercial entities -- especially individuals who live adjacent to District canals/levees who wish more intense use of public land for their personal benefit;
The largest group (by far) are our "unseen" customers; i.e., the entire population of South Florida. Without the continued efficient operation and maintenance of the Central and Southern Florida Flood Control System, major storm events would produce flooding that could impact vast areas of the District. Similarly, during periods of drought, the system must be capable of delivering water to recharge the regional public water supply system. By making sure the canal rights of way remain free of obstructions, millions of Florida residents and visitors are protected.
The Operations & Maintenance Department is the Right of Way Division's primary internal customer. The Right of Way Division resolves encroachments that interfere with Operations & Maintenance's ability to access, operate, and maintain the canal system for flood control and water supply
Land Acquisition
Right of Way
