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SJRWMD FY 2017-18 Final Budget II. Introduction to the District A. History of Water Management Districts Due to extreme drought and shifting public focus on resource protection and conservation, legislators passed four major laws in 1972, including the Environmental Land and Water Management Act, the Comprehensive Planning Act, the Land Conservation Act, and the Water Resources Act. Collectively, these policy initiatives reflected the philosophy that land use, growth management and water management should be joined. Florida's institutional arrangement for water management is unique. The Florida Water Resources Act of 1972 (WRA) (Chapter 373, F.S.) granted Florida's five water management districts broad authority and responsibility. Two of the five districts existed prior to the passage of the WRA (South Florida and Southwest Florida), primarily as flood control agencies. Today, however, the responsibilities of all five districts encompass four broad categories: water supply (including water allocation and conservation), water quality, flood protection and floodplain management, and natural systems. The five regional water management districts, established by the Legislature and recognized in the Florida Constitution, are set up largely on hydrologic boundaries. Water management districts are funded by ad valorem taxes normally reserved for local governments using taxing authority which emanates from a constitutional amendment passed by Floridians in 1976. The water management districts are governed regionally by boards appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. There is also general oversight at the state level by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). In Florida, water is a resource of the state, owned by no one individual, with the use of water overseen by water management districts acting in the public interest. Florida law recognizes the importance of balancing human needs for water with those of Florida's natural systems. Each of Florida's water management districts has a history that cannot be completely detailed here. Together, these unique organizations work with the state and local governments to assure the availability of water supplies for all reasonable and beneficial uses; protect natural systems in Florida through land acquisition, land management, and ecosystem restoration; and promoting flood protection. For additional information, interested readers should review the districts' websites and contact officials at each district. The District's website is www.sjrwmd.com. Page 2 M