Who elects a water control district board?

It depends on the district's own law. Some are elected by landowners, one vote per acre; others by registered voters who live in the district. If the seat is on your ballot, it's elected by voters.

When is the election?

The general election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Early voting and mail-ballot deadlines vary by state; check your state or county election office.

Should I vote for a particular water control or drainage district candidate?

SpectrumVote doesn't endorse anyone or tell you how to vote. Compare the candidates' backgrounds, campaign money and answers to the questions above, and check the district's own budget and minutes.

What is a water control or drainage district?

Water control districts (also called drainage or improvement districts) manage the canals, ditches, pumps and lakes that drain land and control flooding in one area. Most were created under Chapter 298 of the Florida Statutes or by a special act of the Legislature, and each district's own law sets how its board is chosen.

What the board decides

The board maintains the drainage system, plans flood-control improvements, sets the district's budget and the assessments landowners pay, and in some districts also handles roads or parks.

How the board is chosen

Districts formed under Chapter 298 start with supervisors elected by landowners at an annual landowners' meeting, one vote per acre. Many larger districts, especially in South Florida, have been changed by special act so that registered voters who live in the district elect the board. Those are the seats that appear on your ballot, often by zone or seat number.

How it's paid for

Mostly through assessments on land in the district, collected on the property tax bill.

Questions to research before you vote

Look at the district's flooding history, planned projects and assessment rates.
Ask candidates how they'd handle drainage problems, storm preparation and the cost of improvements.

SpectrumVote doesn't endorse anyone or tell you how to vote.

Water control and drainage districts on the 2026 ballot (11)

Broward County

Central Broward Water Control District, Zone 6 · 2 candidates
Coral Springs Improvement District, Seat 4 · 2 candidates
Coral Springs Improvement District, Seat 5 · 2 candidates
South Broward Drainage District, Zone 2 · 2 candidates
South Broward Drainage District, Zone 4 · 2 candidates
South Broward Drainage District, Zone 5 · 2 candidates
Sunshine Water Control District, Seat 4 · 2 candidates
Sunshine Water Control District, Seat 5 · 2 candidates

Palm Beach County

Indian Trail Improvement District Seat 1 · 2 candidates
Indian Trail Improvement District Seat 3 · 2 candidates
Indian Trail Improvement District Seat 5 · 2 candidates

Only voters who live inside each district see its seats. Look up your ballot by address to see yours.

Quick answers

Who elects a water control district board?: It depends on the district's own law. Some are elected by landowners, one vote per acre; others by registered voters who live in the district. If the seat is on your ballot, it's elected by voters.
When is the election?: The general election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Early voting and mail-ballot deadlines vary by state; check your state or county election office.
Should I vote for a particular water control or drainage district candidate?: SpectrumVote doesn't endorse anyone or tell you how to vote. Compare the candidates' backgrounds, campaign money and answers to the questions above, and check the district's own budget and minutes.

Source: Chapter 298, Florida Statutes. Summaries are ours, in plain language; the statute and each district's own charter are the authority.

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