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The purpose of the soil and water conservation districts is to provide assistance, guidance, and education to landowners, land occupiers, the agricultural industry, and the general public in implementing land and water resource protection practices. The Legislature intends for soil and water conservation districts to work in conjunction with federal, state, and local agencies in all matters that implement these practices.
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Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) are local government bodies, typically consistent of five unpaid elected supervisors, who work together with the community, state agencies, and the US Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service to promote the responsible use and protection of natural resources. They focus primarily on:
- Preventing soil erosion
- Protecting water quality
- Promoting sustainable agriculture and land use
- Educating the public and landowners on conservation projects
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For a more comprehensive overview of the specific responsibilities of a Soil and Water Conservation Board in Florida, read through the **Florida Statutes on Soil and Water Conservation** and this information from the Association of Florida Conservation Districts.
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Composition: Florida Soil and Water Conservation Districts are typically composed of five, unpaid, elected officials.
Timeline: The election of supervisor for each soil and water conservation district is held in conjunction with the state-wide general election on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in each November every two years in even-numbered years.
Term Limits: The term of office of each supervisor shall be 4 years, except that two supervisors shall be elected to serve for initial terms of 2 years, respectively, from the date of their election. A supervisor shall hold office until her or his successor has been elected and qualified.
To qualify to serve on the governing body of a SWCD, a supervisor:
Must be an eligible voter who resides in the district who:
Filing for a SWCD Board seat is done through your qualifying officer, which is the **County Supervisor of Elections** office.
The following information is not intended to be legal advice, candidates are encouraged to contact their qualifying officer for more information on requirements and deadlines. Refer to the Division of Elections Treasurer Handbook for specific requirements, which can be found here. County and Municipal candidates should contact their qualifying officer for specific requirements.
All Candidates will need to complete a Candidate Depository (Form DS-DE 9) & Statement of Candidacy (Form DS-DE 84), but qualifying officers vary by office level.
- State Legislature Candidates: State legislature candidates will file with the Florida Division of Elections.
- County and School Board Candidates: County and school board candidates will file with their county Supervisor of Elections office and should inquire with the SOE for additional information about deadlines and requirements.
- Municipal: Municipal candidates should contact their qualifying office (City Clerk or Supervisor of Elections) to inquire about filing deadlines and requirements, as local requirements vary. Visit our Municipal Candidates page for additional guidance on these steps.
- Special District Candidates: Special District candidates will file with their Supervisor of Elections. Visit our Soil and Water Conservation District Candidates page for additional guidance on these steps.
The IRS requires that political committees obtain a tax ID number, otherwise known as an EIN. Candidates or their appointed treasurer can apply for the EIN by completing the IRS **Form SS-4** by fax, telephone, or online.
- For a step by step instructional guide on obtaining an EIN click HERE
The EIN is NOT the same number as your Candidate ID number.
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All candidates must appoint a campaign treasurer before opening a campaign account, you will do this by filing **Form DS-DE 9** with the Division of Elections or the appropriate qualifying officer.
🚨Within ten days of filing DS-DE 9, candidate must then file DS-DE 84, a Statement of Candidacy, with the Division of Elections or the appropriate qualifying officer.
To learn more about appointing a Campaign Treasurer, check out General Financial Compliance
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Political committees must open a bank account, which will be opened using their EIN. The name and address of your bank will be required to complete your Form DS-DE 9.
Your account must be at one of the following:
- National Bank
- State Bank
- FDIC or NCUA- Insured Institution
🚨We strongly recommend calling your bank of choice before opening an account.
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For more information about opening and maintaining your Non-Federal bank account, visit the FEC **Bank Accounts of Political Party Committees.**
For a step by step instructional guide on opening a bank account click **HERE.**
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All Non-Federal candidates must decide to qualify either by paying a fee or by petition and submit qualifying documents to the appropriate qualifying officer by June 12th, 2026. Candidates may turn in qualifying documents as early as May 25th, 2026. For additional information about qualifying dates visit the Division of Elections Qualifying Information page.
👋 For a comprehensive overview of the Qualifying process check out our Qualifying For The Ballot Guide!
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Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor and Special District candidates should note the following: