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Hurricane Milton

The South Florida Water Management District (District) operates the regional water management system. The District continues to actively monitor, manage and adjust our primary water management system Post-Hurricane Milton. Much of the Central and Southern Florida region has an interconnected water management system, and flood control is a shared responsibility between county/city governments, local drainage districts, communities (including Homeowner Associations or HOAs), and the District. It is normal to see lakes temporarily rise and water flowing through streets to drains. After significant rainfall, water in streets, swales, yards and low-lying areas is expected. In preparation for Hurricane Milton, water managers made pre-storm adjustments to operating levels for water control structures throughout the regional flood control system. The District continues to operate the regional flood control system to move large amounts of water quickly and efficiently.

Florida Executive Order:
On October 6, 2024, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-215.
A state of emergency was declared for 51 counties across the State of Florida. All 16 counties in the South Florida Water Management District’s region are in Executive Order 24-215: Broward, Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Highlands, Lee, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Polk, St. Lucie counties.

SFWMD Emergency Orders: 

2024-073 Emergency Order
2024-074 Emergency Order
2024-075 Emergency Order
2024-076 Emergency Order
2024-077 Emergency Order
2024-082 Emergency Order Rescinding Time Abrogation Emergency Order 2024-076
2024-083 Emergency Order Rescinding Orders 2024-073, 2024-074, 2024-075

Recreational Lands:

  • All SFWMD-managed lands have reopened. Some lands may have campgrounds and interior vehicles access roads that are temporarily closed. If you have a reservation, email SpecialUseLicense@sfwmd.gov with any questions. 

Navigational Locks:

  • All SFWMD navigational boat locks have reopened.

Reminders for Residents and Visitors:

  • If you face life-threatening flooding or are in imminent danger, call 9-1-1.
  • Avoid driving through flooded areas. When in doubt, turn around.
  • Ensure debris, trash cans, and other items are secured and cannot clog drainage ways.
  • Monitor any announcements from your County's Emergency Operations Center.
  • Do not drink, wade, or swim in floodwaters.
  • Read the infographic Rain Drain: What to Expect in Your Neighborhood When It Rains for a close-up look at the interconnected drainage system. Flooded roads, swales and ditches are expected during and after heavy rain events. In the event water is impacting your home, please report the flooding to your local drainage operator. Type in your address and look up your local drainage operator at SFWMD.gov/FloodControl.

Helpful Tools:

County Emergency Updates:

SFWMD Operations:

  • The SFWMD will continue to keep the public informed on our operations after the storm.
  • Get the latest updates from the SFWMD by following us on Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter.

Media Resources: