South Florida Water Management District Lowers its Tax Rates for FY2008

South Florida Water Management District lowers its tax rates for FY2008 as part of annual budget approval

$1.3 billion budget reflects a 10-percent reduction for most District taxpayers

WEST PALM BEACH - At a public hearing tonight, the Governing Board of the South Florida Water Management District reduced its property tax millage rates and adopted a $1.3 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2008 (Oct. 1, 2007 – Sept. 30, 2008). In compliance with Governor and Legislature tax reform directives, the approved budget reflects a 10-percent reduction in millage rates below current year levels for most taxpayers within the 16-county region.

“In light of property tax reforms, District programs and projects were carefully evaluated to improve efficiencies and to focus on the agency’s core mission of providing water quality, flood control, water supply and natural systems protection,” said SFWMD Governing Board Chairman Eric Buermann. “Like the State and other local governments, we faced difficult decisions, but the residents of South Florida can rely on this agency to administer their tax dollars responsibly and effectively as we continue to manage and protect the water resources of the region.”

The approved $1.3 billion budget includes nearly $800 million for restoring the Everglades. Key restoration activities include Northern Everglades initiatives to improve the health of the Kissimmee, Lake Okeechobee, Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie watersheds, as well as the design and construction of numerous water storage and water quality improvement projects in the southern reach of the interconnected ecosystem. Other major budget expenditures include $50 million for infrastructure refurbishments and upgrades to the regional water management system, and $53 million in assistance to help construct and implement local alternative water supply projects.

Prior to tonight’s action, the FY2008 budget was reviewed by the Governor, the Department of Environmental Protection and the Chairs of both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees. In a letter to Chairman Buermann formally approving the budget, Governor Charlie Crist reiterated the importance of partnerships and cooperation in meeting the needs of the region. He also underscored his concern for the recovery of natural systems and the development of alternative water supplies.

In part, Governor Crist wrote, “I appreciate the District’s commitment, working on behalf of the citizens of this state and ensuring adequate natural resources for our future. The District must continue to play an integral part in the development of Florida’s environmental policy and should remain persistent in the conservation and restoration of our natural resources.”

Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Michael W. Sole also commended the agency for keeping its commitment to natural systems protection. "I appreciate the South Florida Water Management District's careful consideration to ensure that Florida's environmental priorities will continue to move forward, and South Florida's valuable environmental resources will be protected," he said. "We will continue to work together with the District to preserve the state's natural resources, develop alternative water supplies and restore America's Everglades."

Covering a 16-county area from Orlando to the Keys, the South Florida Water Management District is funded by a combination of ad valorem (property) taxes, and by other sources such as federal and state revenues, permit fees and the Everglades Agricultural Area privilege tax. Less than half – 43 percent – of the total 2008 budget comes from property taxes. Based on the Governing Board vote, a home with a taxable value of $300,000 (assessed value of $325,000, less the $25,000 homestead exemption) will see a total District tax bill of $187.20 – a $21.90 reduction compared to 2007 rates.

The approved tax rates represent 62.4 cents per thousand dollars of value in 15 of the District’s 16 counties (the Okeechobee Basin) – a 10.5 percent reduction from the current rate of 69.7 cents per thousand. For Collier County and mainland Monroe County (the Big Cypress Basin), the tax rates represent 48.14 cents per thousand – an 8.5 percent reduction from the current rate of 52.65 cents per thousand.

For the 15th consecutive year, the South Florida Water Management District has been recognized by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) with its Distinguished Budget Presentation Award – the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting. It is the highest honor bestowed by the GFOA. This year, the agency received both the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award and a Special Capital Recognition for its FY2007 budget.


The South Florida Water Management District is a regional, governmental agency that oversees the water resources in the southern half of the state – 16 counties from Orlando to the Keys. It is the oldest and largest of the state’s five water management districts. The agency mission is to manage and protect water resources of the region by balancing and improving water quality, flood control, natural systems and water supply. A key initiative is cleanup and restoration of the Everglades.