Water Use Permits are issued for areas in South Florida under the jurisdiction of South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). Consumptive use of water is broadly defined as any use of water which reduces the supply from which it is withdrawn or diverted. The consumptive use of water in the State of Florida is regulated by the water management districts, as prescribed in Part II of Chapter 373, F.S. This authority applies to public water supplies, agricultural and landscape irrigation, contamination clean-up, commercial/industrial uses, and dewatering/mining activities. Water uses which are exempt from the permitting process include domestic uses for potable and home irrigation and water used for fire fighting. In addition to Consumptive Use Permits, the District has been given the responsibility to permit water well construction activities.