Lakes Management

Osceola County has over 50 named lakes which provide the greatest natural resource and has world renown chain of lakes within its region. Lakes have environmental significance, and provide economic value. Osceola County lakes provide sources of recreation, scenic beauty, and a habitat for many different types of wildlife, as well as fisheries and bass tournaments. Come, and see nature’s beauty at its best!

Overview

The Mission of Osceola County’s Lakes Management Program is to protect, enhance, conserve, restore and manage the county’s aquatic resources through education, coordination, development, maintenance, and management of lake systems; which considers the need for protection of the natural environment and improves, enhances and/or sustains lake ecosystem health while avoiding impacts to downstream systems for the benefit of the fish and wildlife resources and the residents of and visitors to Osceola County.

Lakes Management Plan

Access the adopted Lakes Management Plan(PDF, 11MB).

Interagency Coordination

The County does not act alone in lakes management. The lakes in Osceola County are considered "Waters of the State"; therefore coordination among numerous government agencies is necessary to ensure the success of lake management responsibilities and activities. Partners include:

  • South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD)
  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE)
  • Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
  • Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)

The goals of the Lakes Management Program include hydrologic management, habitat preservation and enhancement, aquatic plant management, water quality improvement, and recreation and public use. The following list outlines the responsibilities of each agency as it relates to management of the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes in Osceola County.

Report Violations

The following activity and agency contacts have been provided below for your convenience:

Activity / Concern Agency Phone
Boating Accidents / Dangerous Boating Florida Fish and Wildlife Boating 850-488-5600
407-348-2222
Fish Kill Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission – Fish Kills 800-636-0511
Illegal Dumping Osceola County Pollution Prevention 407-742-0200
Injured Wildlife or Illegal Activities Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission – Law 1-888-404-FWCC (3922)
or #FWC from a cell phone
Nuisance Gators Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission – Alligator Management Program 1-866-392-4286
Shoreline Alterations / Wetland Impacts Florida Department of Environmental Protection 407-897-4100
Water Pollution Osceola County Natural Resources 407-742-8650