Department of Law Enforcement

Domestic Security

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What is the purpose of the program?

The department's domestic security mission is to strengthen Florida's capability to prepare, prevent, protect, mitigate, respond, and recover from domestic security incidents. Federal, state, and local entities have a shared responsibility in Florida's domestic security effort.

How is the program organized?

Florida's domestic security governance structure includes three primary components.

Regional Domestic Security Task Forces, pursuant to s. 943.0312, Florida Statutes, consist of representatives of local law enforcement agencies, emergency management agencies, and other first-responder personnel. Each task force is co-chaired by a local Sheriff or Police Chief and an FDLE Special Agent in Charge. The seven regional task forces provide support to impacted communities by working in conjunction with local agencies and other emergency management professionals.
Domestic Security Coordinating Group, composed of representatives and subject matter experts from the Regional Domestic Security Task Forces, designated urban areas, state agency partners, and key organization liaisons who come together to address domestic security issues surfaced by the Regional Domestic Security Task Forces, network of Fusion Centers, and the Domestic Security Oversight Council.
Domestic Security Oversight Council provides guidance to the Regional Domestic Security Task Forces and the Domestic Security Coordinating Group on prevention, preparedness, and response activities and makes recommendations to the Governor and Legislature regarding expenditure and allocation of related resources. The council is chaired by the Commissioner of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The director of the Division of Emergency Management serves as the vice chair. Other voting members of the council include state agency officials, representatives of local law enforcement, and representatives of other organizations and associations with an interest in emergency management, such as the Florida Hospital Association and the Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development Council. (See s. 943.0313, Florida Statutes, for more details.)

How are these activities funded?

Provided to implement Florida's Domestic Security Strategic Plan, domestic security activities are funded through federal grants. These grants have included the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, the FEMA Urban Area Security Initiative Program, and the FEMA State Homeland Security Program.

Where can I find related OPPAGA reports?

A complete list of related OPPAGA reports is available on our website.

Where can I get more information?

Other Reports
Florida Domestic Security Strategic Plan 2021-2023, Domestic Security Oversight Council, July 2020
2021 Domestic Security Annual Report, Domestic Security Oversight Council, December 2021
2020 Domestic Security Annual Report, Domestic Security Oversight Council, December 2020
2019 Domestic Security Annual Report, Domestic Security Oversight Council, December 2019
2018 Domestic Security Annual Report, Domestic Security Oversight Council, December 2018
The Auditor General reports on FDLE are located on its website

Websites of Interest
Florida Division of Emergency Management
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
National Terrorism Advisory System
Domestic Security Alliance Council

Performance Information

Performance measures and standards for the department may be found in its Long Range Program Plan.

What are the applicable statutes?

Chapters 943 (Florida Department of Law Enforcement) and 252 (Division of Emergency Management), Florida Statutes

Whom do I contact for help?

Office of Domestic Security, 850-410-8300
Website