Florida Legislature established Florida’s Soil & Water Conservation Districts, a governmental subdivision of the State of Florida, in 1937, under Florida Statutes 582. The Districts were initiated by local residents for the purpose of promoting and encouraging the wise use, management and general conservation of soil, water and related natural resources. The Marion Soil and Water Conservation District (MSWCD) was initially established as the Ocklawaha Soil and Water Conservation District. However, on April 22, 1947, its name was changed to what we know today as the Marion Soil and Water Conservation District. 

MSWCD works closely with other agencies, like the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), creating ways to conserve water, prevent soil erosion, and inform the public about conservation problems.

The District practices the Code of Ethics as stated by the Florida Commission on Ethics. The District created Bylaws to adhere to.  

MSWCD operates under Florida Statutes 582 under the Florida Legislature, since its creation on December 13, 1941. MSWCD abides by Chapter 189, Florida Statutes – Uniform Special District Accountability Act.