Department of Environmental Protection

Law Enforcement

What is the purpose of the program?

The purpose of the division is to investigate and enforce certain environmental crimes and laws. The division provides oversight for environmental response and preparedness. The division also works with local public safety officials and emergency contractors to reduce environmental threats.

How is the division structured?

The division is made up of the Environmental Crimes Unit and the Office of Emergency Response.

The Environmental Crimes Unit performs inspections and enforces environmental laws to ensure compliance.

The Office of Emergency Response works with the Environmental Crimes Unit and provides quick and effective responses on-site to environmental and human safety threats.

What activities does the program perform?

The Environmental Crimes Unit consists of 18 sworn law enforcement officers, including special agents, lieutenants, and a captain, which are divided in offices across the state of Florida. Law enforcement investigators in the Division of Law Enforcement assess damage done to Florida's natural resources and provide documentation for recovery efforts.  

The Environmental Crimes Unit assists in

  • mitigation;
  • enforcement;
  • assessment; and
  • prosecution of certain environmental crimes.

The Office of Emergency Response works with local public safety officials and emergency response contractors to respond to environmental pollution threats such as petroleum spills, chemical plant explosions, and coastal oil spills.

How are these activities funded?

Fiscal Year: 2021-22
Title Fund Dollars Positions
PROGRAM: LAW ENFORCEMENT
FISH, WILDLIFE AND BOATING LAW ENFORCEMENT
146,671,599
1,043.00
TOTAL
146,671,599
1,043.00

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
The Department of Environmental Protection's Office of the Inspector General reports are available on its website.
Websites of Interest
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Criminal Enforcement Program
U.S. Department of Justice, Environmental Crimes Section
Performance Information
Performance measures and standards for the department may be found in its Long Range Program Plan.

What are the applicable statutes?

Section 20.255, and Chs. 161, 258, 373, 376, 377, 378, and 403, Florida Statutes.

Whom do I contact for help?

Division of Law Enforcement, 850-245-2010

Emergency Response Office-Tallahassee, 850-245-2010

Emergency Response Office-Pensacola, 850-593-8300

Emergency Response Office-Jacksonville, 904-256-1700

Emergency Response Office-Orlando, 407-897-4100

Emergency Response Office-Tampa, 813-470-5954

Emergency Response Office-Fort Myers, 239-344-5600

Emergency Response Office-West Palm Beach, 561-681-6767

Website