Florida is divided into five water management districts to preserve and manage Florida’s precious water resources. The St. Johns River Water Management District is responsible for managing groundwater and surface water supplies in all or part of 18 counties in northeast and east-central Florida. About 700 dedicated staff are employed by the District at offices in Palatka, Jacksonville, Altamonte Springs and Palm Bay.

Duties of the District include

• Issuing permits that regulate water withdrawals and limiting how various activities, such as construction, can impact water resources
• Buying land to preserve or restore vital wetlands and water resources
• Conducting research about the quality and quantity of groundwater and surface water resources
• Mapping groundwater and surface water resources
• Conducting outreach and public education programs

“We will ensure the sustainable use and protection of water resources
for the benefit of the people of the District and the state of Florida.”

Core missions

• Water supply
  To implement a regional strategy to provide sufficient water for users and the environment
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• Surface water resource protection
  To protect surface water resources of the District and improve those resources within Surface Water Improvement and Management (SWIM) basins
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• Flood protection
  To prevent increases in flooding and operate and maintain the District's regional flood control projects
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• Organizational effectiveness
  To provide for organizational structure and tools that result in and reward continuous improvement and enhanced service delivery

The District’s core missions, 2008–2009