Decisions made by local governments about how land is used can have a significant impact on important state water resources and facilities. Water resource issues and policies can either conform to or clash with local growth management and state and regional planning efforts.
To ensure land and water resource planning efforts at all levels of government are transparent and closely coordinated, the South Florida Water Management District is working to provide clear, consistent and timely information to the 16 county and 137 municipal governments within our regional boundaries. Early and continuous efforts prevent potential conflicts. Communicating about possible water resource issues and challenges and maintaining communication as plans are revised and refined are key to ensuring success.
SFWMD Offers Support and Expertise
The District offers technical assistance and expertise to local, regional and state agencies on water resource issues and policies. The District seeks to establish ongoing partnerships based on strategic collaboration.
Technical assistance, policy guidance and review for:
Local Government Comprehensive Plan Amendments
Ten-Year Water Supply Facilities Work Plans
Evaluation and Appraisal Reviews
Sector Plans
Other special planning efforts such as Rural Land Stewardship Plans and Watershed Master Plans
Land development regulations, local ordinances and development standards
Technical assistance and policy guidance for regional visioning efforts, Strategic Regional Policy Plans and review of applications for Developments of Regional Impact (DRIs).
Review of Site Certification applications for power plants, transmission lines and natural gas pipelines.
Review of Federal projects submitted to the State Clearinghouse.
Review of documents submitted by the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida.
In 2011, the Florida Legislature made significant modifications to the Growth Management Act by enacting reforms that give local governments greater discretion over the future of their communities and reducing – but not eliminating – state oversight of land use planning.
The Local Government Comprehensive Plan remains the centerpiece of planning and growth management in Florida but with diminished oversight by the state. All 16 counties, 137 cities and one special district (Reedy Creek) within the SFWMD's boundaries have adopted Local Government Comprehensive Plans for future growth and land use. The District's Intergovernmental Coordination Section, together with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity's Division of Community Development, reviews amendments to Local Government Comprehensive Plans, ensuring the functions of state water resources and facilities are protected.
Impacts on regional and local ground and surface water supplies
Impacts on regional and local flood protection/floodplain management
Protections for wetlands and other surface waters
Local Initiatives Coordination
People recognize and respect city and county borders; water does not. The District is a regional agency committed to being a good neighbor, ensuring local perspectives are incorporated into District activities.
Strong working relationships between local officials and District staff allow us to share and utilize our knowledge, expertise and resources to address shared water and land stewardship responsibilities. Intergovernmental communication, cooperation and coordination are vital to meeting the water resource needs of our communities.
Stormwater Improvements – Managing stormwater runoff is a District priority that relies on successful local partnerships. South Florida landscapes are designed to channel excess stormwater into retention ponds and stormwater collection systems. Along the way, stormwater picks up all kinds of pollutants, including fertilizers and pesticides from lawns as well as oils and other fluids spilled from cars onto roadways. Eventually, stormwater runoff flows into regional lakes, canals and wetlands and makes its way more gradually to the aquifers that supply our drinking water. Stormwater improvement projects address flooding and water quality issues caused by stormwater runoff.
Water Savings Incentive Program (WaterSIP) – The Water Savings Incentive Program (WaterSIP) was created to foster water conservation efforts of public and private water providers or users within the District's boundaries. Projects using technology to implement water conservation are considered for funding through this program. Award recipients are reimbursed for up to 50 percent or up to $50,000, whichever is less, of the total project cost. Types of projects that have received funding in previous years include automatic line flushing devices for hydrants, indoor plumbing retrofits, large area irrigation controls and soil moisture and rain sensor technology for irrigation systems. The District continues to expand participation by encouraging industrial, commercial and institutional water users, as well as homeowners/condominium associations, to apply. Learn more about WaterSIP
Alternative Water Supply (AWS) – The demand for water by growing urban populations and agricultural operations in South Florida is expected to increase significantly in the coming decades. Meeting the growing need for water hinges on our efforts to develop region-specific sources offering alternatives to traditional ground and surface water. Alternative water sources are important to Florida's future. They help make communities less susceptible to the effects of drought and diversify our water supply while reducing our dependence on freshwater resources. Learn more about Alternative Water Supply
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