South Florida Water Management District Taking Action to Address Flooding Concerns From Heavy Rainfall

The South Florida Water Management District (District) is working with local drainage operators and emergency officials to address flooding issues in South Florida.

District Actions

• Continuing to monitor the weather and adjust our regional flood protection system as needed.
• Continuing to coordinate with our local, state and federal partners to support local recovery efforts and to help provide relief to impacted communities.
• Managing our canals to allow the regional flood control system to operate at full capacity.
• Positioning high volume pumps to help alleviate flood waters in local communities.
• Actively using flood control spillway gates and pumps to move water away from communities and businesses.
• Encouraging local governments, drainage operators and communities to monitor rainfall, ensure storm drains are cleared and check their systems.
• Closed the S-193 Boat Lock on Taylor Creek in Okeechobee County to boat traffic on November 1, 2026. This boat lock is being used to move flood waters away from local communities. The lock will remain closed to boat traffic until further notice. 
• All of the pump stations in the area remain on 24/7 pumping shifts.

Boaters are encouraged to exercise caution when navigating waterways and avoid creating a wake that could impact homes and businesses.

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), residents and the District.

The District operates the regional water management system that includes more than 2,300 miles of canals and 2,200 miles of berms and levees across a 16-county area of responsibility. This regional flood control system takes water from the network of smaller drainage districts, improvements districts and local municipalities.

The District's water managers and meteorologists continue to closely monitor and make adjustments to the District's regional flood control system for rain already received and forecasted additional rains.

The District reminds residents and visitors to avoid floodwaters resulting from heavy rains. 

• 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 blow into drainage ways. 
• Monitor announcements from your County Emergency Operations Center.
• Floodwaters can hide hidden dangers. Do not wade or swim in floodwaters.

If you are experiencing flooding in your neighborhood, visit SFWMD.gov/FloodControl and type in your address to look up your local drainage operator.

Flooding observations can also be reported by clicking on SFWMD.gov/floodingapp and the respective drainage operator will be informed about conditions.

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