In 1937, the Florida Legislature established Florida’s Soil & Water Conservation Districts as governmental subdivisions of the State of Florida under Florida Statutes Chapter 582. These districts were initiated by local residents to promote the wise use and conservation of soil, water, and related natural resources. The Marion Soil and Water Conservation District (MSWCD) was initially established as the Oklawaha Soil Conservation District, encompassing Marion County and the Oxford area of Sumter County. However, on April 22, 1947, the district's name was changed to Marion Soil Conservation District, excluding Sumter County. In 1965, the Florida Legislature amended Chapter 582 of the Florida Statutes, renaming the district to the Marion Soil and Water Conservation District (MSWCD).

Creation Documents 

Biennial Report State Soil Conservation Board, 1943-1944

MSWCD works closely with other agencies, such as 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.