Our entire staff is here to help answer any questions you may have. The Okeechobee Service Center staff can be reached at (800) 250-4200. We are available Mondays through Fridays, during regular working hours.
We can help you with questions about permits or storm water management, offer information on Lake Okeechobee restoration efforts, or any other District project or program.
Are Okeechobee Service Center staff active in community activities?
A:
Absolutely! We are involved with the community as a key aspect of our mission. Increasing community involvement is one of the primary reasons why the SFWMD created service centers. If you would like a member of our staff to attend your community function, please contact us at (800) 250-4200 or (863) 462-5280.
Water Levels & Operations
Q:
How can I quickly learn about lake levels in Lake Okeechobee and the Kissimmee River?
A:
The South Florida Water Management District web site includes a Real Time Data page, which provides real-time lake and river level information, including the current level of Lake Okeechobee, as well as information about the status of water control structures such as locks and gates.
- Navigation and other information relative to the Okeechobee Waterway.
Most canals and water control structures have names such as C-58, or G-120. The map below can help you determine the name of the structure you are interested in.
Can I call the South Florida Water Management District with questions about my water bill, or pay it on your web site?
A:
Sorry, but no to both questions.
The South Florida Water Management District regulates large water users such as city or county water supply utilities, but is not directly involved in the delivery of water to your home, nor the billing for that service. The same is true for sewage service.
Private canals are maintained by the person or entity that owns the canal. Only those canals directly associated with the primary flood control system are maintained by the South Florida Water Management District. In addition, some canals are owned and maintained by counties, or cities, or water control districts.
Storms and Flooding
Q:
What can me and my neighbors do to prevent flooding and protect water resources in our community?
A:
The regional system (including the rim canal) works in concert with smaller tributary systems, which are managed by communities or local governments such as cities, counties or water control districts. Each part of this man-made system has a crucial role to play in avoiding flooding, while preserving environmental values and water supply, and navigation.
Individuals can also play a part, by learning how the interconnected systems work.
Check out "Know the Flow" - a brochure describing how local/neighborhood, secondary and regional water management systems work, and offering residents tips for checking/maintaining their neighborhood drainage system.
While the SFWMD works to minimize flooding, and collects data about regional and local flooding, it is not involved in establishing the criteria for flood insurance.
Your county government has maps and can help you determine if you live in a flood zone and require flood insurance.
The SFWMD and other regional water management districts are working with counties to update and modernize flood maps. See the Map Modernization web site.
Big Cypress Basin
Okeechobee
