Public Waters
Waterbodies Eligible For Aquatic Plant Management Funding
More than 450 public waters in Florida are eligible for aquatic plant management funding through the FWC Invasive Plant Management Section by Florida Rule 68F-54.0035 – Waters Eligible and Eligibility Criteria for Aquatic Plant Management Funds.
Polk County has by far the most waterbodies listed with 85; some have far fewer. Some waterbodies are so large they span more than one county but are assigned to only one county on this list. For example, the St. Johns River flows through 11 counties, but is assigned to St. Johns County. Lake Okeechobee spans five counties but is listed in Okeechobee County, and so on. The list may be viewed by county or by waterbody.
Below you will find two files available for download that list all public waterbodies either alphabetically by name or listed by county.
Bathymetric Maps
To improve the cost-effectiveness of submersed aquatic plant management in Florida public lakes, FWC initiated an ongoing bathymetric mapping project. To date, maps have been generated for approximately 150 waterbodies. Those with a history of large-scale hydrilla problems or management programs received first priority, followed by waters in which hydrilla has only recently been introduced. Mapping of additional waters will occur as funding and water levels allow.
Bathymetric data are collected when water levels are high, and water volumes are calculated for one-foot contours. Water acreage and average lake volume at the time of data collection are provided for each waterbody.
These measurements are crucial for accurately applying herbicides to submersed aquatic plants. Managers must have accurate water depth information to calculate the appropriate amount of active ingredient to apply. Too much herbicide is not only wasteful; it can result in unintended control of non-target plants. Too little herbicide can result in no control at all.
for approximately 200 public waterbodies, listed alphabetically by name.
Work Plans
The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission manages, through a series of government and private sector contractors, aquatic plants in Florida’s public waterbodies.