Florida Lake Maintenance Laws All Commercial Property Managers Should Know
If you manage a commercial property in Hillsborough, Pinellas, or Pasco County, you know that your lakes, ponds, and retention areas aren’t just pretty water features—they’re regulated resources with rules you must follow. Florida takes lake and pond management seriously, and for good reason: improper care can lead to water quality issues, erosion, invasive species outbreaks, and even legal penalties.
At A&B Aquatics Lake and Pond Management Solutions, we work closely with HOAs, golf course managers, commercial property owners, and industrial site operators to ensure they stay compliant while keeping their water bodies healthy and beautiful. Below, we’ll break down the key Florida lake maintenance laws you need to know, along with practical guidance and services that can keep you in compliance.
1. Understanding Florida’s Regulatory Framework for Lakes and Ponds
Several agencies oversee water management in Florida, including:
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)
Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD)
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
Local county environmental divisions
Each agency has specific jurisdiction over aspects like water quality, aquatic plant management, dredging, and shoreline alterations. As a property manager, your compliance often depends on following multiple sets of rules at once.
2. Retention and Stormwater Pond Maintenance Requirements
If your property has a retention pond or stormwater management system, you are legally obligated to keep it functioning as designed. According to SWFWMD regulations, stormwater ponds must be maintained to:
Prevent blockages in outflow structures
Maintain designed water storage capacity
Control erosion along shorelines
Keep vegetation in check to allow for proper water flow[1]
A&B Aquatics Services That Help:
Retention Pond Management
Shoreline Erosion Management
Weed Control Spraying
Shoreline Debris Removal & Erosion Control
3. Aquatic Weed and Invasive Plant Control
Florida law requires property owners to manage invasive aquatic plants that can choke waterways, harm native wildlife, and disrupt water quality. The FWC regulates aquatic plant management under Chapter 369, Florida Statutes, and all herbicide applications to waters of the state require a permit unless you are working under an FWC-approved contractor[2].
A&B Aquatics Services That Help:
Algae & Aquatic Weed Control
Invasive Species Control
Native Plants Installation & Restoration
4. Water Quality Standards and Testing
Under Florida Administrative Code Chapter 62-302, lakes and ponds must meet specific water quality standards for pH, dissolved oxygen, nutrients, and clarity[3]. Failure to maintain water quality can result in violations, fines, and required remediation.
A&B Aquatics Services That Help:
Water Quality Testing & Restoration
Aeration and Fountain Maintenance
Sediment & Muck Removal
5. Shoreline Alteration and Erosion Control Rules
Any work that alters a lake or pond shoreline—including installing riprap, building docks, or adding vegetation—may require a permit from SWFWMD or FDEP. Shoreline erosion not only threatens your property but also contributes to sedimentation that can harm aquatic ecosystems.
A&B Aquatics Services That Help:
Shoreline Erosion Management
Native Plant Restoration
Sediment & Muck Removal
6. Wetlands and Protected Areas
If your property includes or borders wetlands, strict protections apply under Section 373.414, Florida Statutes. Any dredging, filling, or vegetation removal in these areas generally requires an Environmental Resource Permit (ERP)[4].
A&B Aquatics Services That Help:
Wetland Management
Lake Mapping & Restoration Development
Fisheries Sustainability Restoration
7. Best Practices for Staying in Compliance
Schedule Regular Inspections: Annual or semi-annual professional inspections can help identify and correct issues before they become violations.
Keep Detailed Records: Document maintenance activities, herbicide applications, and water quality tests.
Use Licensed Contractors: Ensure all aquatic plant control is performed by licensed professionals with proper permits.
Incorporate Native Plants: Native vegetation reduces erosion, improves habitat, and often satisfies regulatory requirements.
Maintain Aeration Systems: Healthy oxygen levels improve water quality and reduce algae blooms.
8. How A&B Aquatics Can Help You Avoid Compliance Headaches
A&B Aquatics provides full-service lake and pond management in Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties, including:
Lakefront Cleaning
Fountains & Aeration Maintenance
Lake Mapping & Restoration Development
Native Plants Installation & Restoration
Fisheries Sustainability Restoration
Retention Pond Management
Weed Control Spraying
Shoreline Debris Removal & Erosion Control Management
Beachfront Maintenance
Annual Management Programs
Water Quality Testing & Restoration
Algae & Aquatic Weed Control
Shoreline Erosion Management
Sediment & Muck Removal
Wetland Management
Invasive Species Control
Lake & Pond Products
By partnering with us, you not only meet regulatory requirements but also ensure your water bodies remain an asset to your property.
9. Call to Action
Regulatory compliance doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you manage a golf course, an HOA community, or a commercial development, A&B Aquatics can create a custom management plan that meets Florida’s legal requirements and your aesthetic goals.
Footnotes:Southwest Florida Water Management District, "Operation and Maintenance of Stormwater Systems," accessed August 11, 2025, https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us.Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, "Aquatic Plant Management," accessed August 11, 2025, https://myfwc.com.Florida Department of Environmental Protection, "Surface Water Quality Standards," Florida Administrative Code Chapter 62-302, accessed August 11, 2025, https://floridadep.gov.Florida Statutes, Section 373.414, "Additional Criteria for Activities in Surface Waters and Wetlands," accessed August 11, 2025, http://www.leg.state.fl.us.
