Central Broward Water Control District was originally created in 1961 as the Central Broward Drainage District, by the Florida Legislature, Chapter 61-1439, Laws of Florida, as the successor of the Napoleon B. Broward Drainage District. Amended by Chapters 65-1006, 67-1002, 69-528, 70-479, 71-388, 72-486, 79-432, 80-462, 82-268, 85-388, 86-359, 86-363, 87-506, 88-523, 91-350, 94-426, and 96-536, Laws of Florida, the name was changed to Central Broward Water Control District.
In the 1998 Legislative Session, under a special act of the Florida Legislature, charters and special districts within the State of Florida were required a re-codification. The re-codification was accomplished by Chapter 98-501, Laws of Florida (HB 4099), which amended and re-adopted the charter, and repealed all prior special acts.
In the 2002 Legislative Session, the charter was revised under House Bill 0985, which related to Central Broward Water Control District. The bill provides for the election of Commissioner’s; redistricting of Commissioner’s zones; qualifying dates; and, revises provisions of re-terms of office. The bill was approved by Governor Jeb Bush on May 13, 2002, Chapter 2002-362.
The District covers a 45-square mile area, in southwest Broward County, Florida, within 6-municipalities. In the early twentieth century, the region was a vast wetland prairie, commonly referred to as the “Florida Wastelands.” The District was created at a time when Florida needed an agricultural industry and the Army Corps of Engineers set about to make it happen by digging an extensive network of canals.
Over time, increased growth and development have led to a reduction of the natural flood plain. A collection and pumping system was established, to carry away floodwaters. Decades later, this canal network helps against floods.
With growing concern of the negative impact of storm water runoff on our fragile environment, the District implemented a community outreach department, for public awareness of water management, storm water drainage and environmental issues. The District strives to meet the changing needs of the communities it serves, as well as our natural environment.
Today, the District maintains and operates its secondary storm water drainage system, with effective flood control, and continues to accomplish this even with continued growth and development.
What’s in a name?
The Napoleon B. Broward Drainage District was created in 1917 pursuant to 7430, Laws of Florida for the purposes defined therein; and thereafter in 1961 by Chapter 61-1439, Laws of Florida, the Florida Legislature created the Central Broward Drainage District as the successor to the Napoleon B. Broward Drainage District. It was later amended by Chapters 65-1006, 67-1002, 69-528, 70-479, 71-388, 72-486, 79-432, 80-462, 82-268, 85-388, 86-359, 86-363, 87-506, 88-523, 91-350, 94-426 and 96-536, Laws of Florida. The name change to Central Broward Water Control District was accomplished in 1961 by chapter 96-536, Laws of Florida. Re-codification was accomplished by Chapter 98-501, Laws of Florida and by said legislative acts, Central Broward Water Control District is authorized to acquire lands for the installation of ditches, canals, dams and other facilities as may be necessary.
(1916 “Back To Broward” political cartoon courtesy of Florida State Archives)