On April 22, 2008, the Sarasota County Commission approved an ordinance consolidating the existing ordinances that pertain to the Myakka River. The primary goals of the code are to continue to facilitate protection of the river while maintaining livability along the river for its neighbors.

  Consolidated Myakka River Protection Code

This consolidated code brings all of the related regulations into one document making them more user-friendly for property owners. While many of the existing rules did not change, several revisions that you may notice are:

• Allowances for maintenance of existing structures.
• Allowances for small cleared areas for family recreation in specific cases.
• Some new construction that once required a variance from the county commission will be reviewed at the staff level. This change allows for a timelier, less expensive review process for the applicant while maintaining a high level of protection along the river corridor.  

In order to provide more information about the Myakka River Protection Code and the Myakka River Protection Zone (MRPZ), specific graphics showing each of the zones have been created for reference purposes*. Click on the link to the left that best describes your property.

If you have any questions or would like additional information about living on the river, please contact Resource Protection at 941-861-5000. 

*Note graphics are for informational purposes only. They do not guarantee nor imply that authorization for construction, excavation or vegetation removal in the MRPZ will be granted. Site specific conditions will be considered for all requests.