Agriculture

Water resources for Florida agriculture

The St. Johns River Water Management District has the tools to assist the agricultural community grow the crops that help feed America and grow Florida’s economy, while protecting water resources. Following are descriptions of sources of assistance, with links to web resources and contact information. These resources offer agricultural permit applicants a “one stop,” centralized location to find help in gathering water use data needed for permits, to reduce duplication in the permitting process and to save time and money. Information is also available on best management practices and cost-share opportunities.

Agricultural Assistance Team

The District’s Agricultural Assistance Team works closely with growers on consumptive use permits and environmental resource permits, which are required for some agricultural operations. The Ag Assistance Team helps simplify and accelerate the permitting process, reduce permitting duplication, assist growers in obtaining and complying with permits, and helps ensure that growers are able to comply with total maximum daily loads and Basin Management Action Plans established by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

Permitting resources

E-permitting, the District’s web-based permitting system, gives applicants 24-hour access to their accounts and web resources. Through e-permitting, web visitors can apply for a permit, submit compliance information, sign and seal documents and pay fees. Some of the more frequently accessed pages include the following:

• Apply for a permit (set up an online account or sign in to an existing account)
• Review permitting rules
• Find forms
• View fees
• Access handbooks
• Use the regulatory search tool
• GIS-Based Water Resources and Agricultural Permitting and Planning System (GWRAPPS)
• Request training

Florida Department of Environmental Protection

The DEP Office of Water Policy addresses statewide water management issues in coordination with the water management districts and other agencies. DEP resources include:

• Office of Water Policy
• Water permitting index
• ERP forms
• DEP’s online help
• Total maximum daily loads (TMDLs)

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

This state agency promotes Florida agriculture, fosters innovation in energy development, manages the state’s forest resources and safeguards consumers. The Office of Agricultural Water Policy is involved in the development of best management practices, addressing both water quality and water conservation on a site specific, regional and watershed basis, such as implementation of the federal Clean Water Act’s TMDL requirements for agriculture. Also, the office has binding authority to determine if an agricultural activity is exempt from an environmental resource permit.

Florida’s water management districts

All of Florida’s water management districts work with the agricultural community to improve efficiencies and protect natural systems. For information about agricultural resources in one of Florida’s other districts, visit the following:

• Northwest Florida Water Management District
• South Florida Water Management District
• Southwest Florida Water Management District
• Suwannee River Water Management District

Updated on 7-17-2012