Jeff Prather

Jeff Prather joined the St. Johns River Water Management District in July 2018, bringing more than 20 years’ experience in environmental protection to his role as director of the district’s Division of Regulatory Services.

Under his leadership, the division is responsible for implementing the district’s Consumptive Use and Environmental Resource Permitting programs. This division encompasses the Bureau of Water Use Regulation, which is responsible for water use permitting, water well construction permitting, water well contractor licensing, compliance and enforcement, and the Bureau of Environmental Resource Regulation, which is responsible for environmental resource permitting, administration compliance and enforcement.

Prior to coming to the district, Prather worked for more than 18 years in the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, including as Director of the Central District Office; and Deputy Director and Communications Director/Ombudsman, also in the Central District Office. He also worked in the private sector with Siemens Information and Communications Systems, where he was the Environmental, Safety and Health Manager. In the public and private sectors, he has worked with diverse groups of stakeholders in all areas of environmental protection. Prather has served in the community as a governor’s appointee to the Wekiva River Basin Commission.

A graduate of Ferris State University (Michigan), he holds Bachelor’s Degrees in biology and industrial and environmental health management. Outside of work, he enjoys camping in Florida State Parks and is an avid bass fisherman.