The Southwest Florida Water Management District (or SWFWMD, pronounced as "swiftmud" based on the word acronym) is one of five regional agencies directed by Florida state law to protect and preserve water resources.

The District encompasses approximately 10,000 square miles (30,000 km2) in all or part of 16 counties in west-central Florida including Charlotte, Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Levy, Manatee, Marion, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, and Sumter counties, serving a population of more than 5.5 million people.

Members are unpaid volunteers appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the state Senate to four-year terms to set policy and administer the budget.

The executive director oversees a diverse staff of professionals, including engineers, geologists, biologists, attorneys, educators, and administrators.

Every year, about 2.5 million people visit public conservation lands acquired by the district and its partners to protect Florida's water resources.