FAQs • Suwannee River Water Management District • CivicEngage

Why do I have to pay taxes to the District if I have my own well?: 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.

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About the District

1. What is the Suwannee River Water Management District?: 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.

2. I live in the Gainesville-Alachua County area. How do I know what water management district I live in?: 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.

3. Part of my property taxes goes to the water management district. What do I get in return?: 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.

4. Why do I have to pay taxes to the District if I have my own well?: 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.

5. How does the District calculate my property taxes?: 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.

6. Why have my District taxes gone up from last year?: 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.

7. Who do the water management districts report to?: 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.

8. How is the Suwannee River Water Management District governed?: 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.

9. What does the Suwannee River Water Management District do?: 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.

10. Where can I find information about the Suwannee River Partnership?: 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.

11. Does the Suwannee River Partnership offer any cost share funding for farmers?: Yes, the Suwannee River Partnership administers several cost share programs available for farmers. Please contact the District at 386.362.1001 for details.