The District was created in 1963 as the Dixie Drainage District under Chapter 298 of the Florida Statutes. The purpose of the Dixie Drainage District was to provide the planning and basic facilities for the drainage of the raw acreage and estate type development that was expected to follow. The facilities were minimal, providing only protection from major flooding.

In 1982, the Plantation Acres Improvement District was formed under Chapter 82-274 of the Florida Statutes as the successor to the Dixie Drainage District. The migration from a drainage district to an improvement district was necessary due to the complexity and rapid rate of development in the District. As an improvement district, the authority, powers, and duties were expanded.