Did you know the South Florida Water Management District operates the largest water control system in the world to protect South Florida residents and visitors from flooding? This regional water management system of canals, levees and water control structures moves water safely away from homes, businesses and populated areas in times of heavy rain.
Using state-of-the-art technology, SFWMD water managers monitor the weather around the clock to determine the optimal operation of hundreds of control structures located from Orlando to the Florida Keys. The District’s manages and maintains:
- 2,175+ miles of canals
- 2,130+ miles of levees/berms
- 915+ water control structures
- 620+ project culverts
- 89 pump stations
This primary system of canals and natural waterways connects to community drainage districts and hundreds of smaller neighborhood systems to effectively manage water across the District’s 16-county region.
Flood control has been part of the District's mission since it was created by the Legislature as the Central and Southern Florida Flood Control District in 1949. The creation of the District followed the publication of the famous Crying Cow Report in 1947, which documented flood damage throughout Central and South Florida after a period of heavy rain.
Today, the District remains committed to ensuring the regional water management system operates smoothly and efficiently to protect our communities from flooding and safeguard our regional water supplies. SFWMD water managers and field stations work throughout Central and South Florida to keep the water management system ready for whatever nature sends our way, whether that's a typical summer rainstorm or a more intense storm event such as a hurricane.
Learn more about flood control throughout the District’s 16-county region.