Florida Department of Environmental Protection News

Everglades Restoration Strategies construction phase completed

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), in collaboration with the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, Seminole Tribe of Florida, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, marked...

Florida State Parks offers free entry to military families on Veterans Day

Florida State Parks will offer free admission to veterans, active-duty military members, and their families on Veterans Day.

Florida State Parks announces 2024 photo contest categories

Florida State Parks has announced the launch of its 2024 photo contest.

Florida DEP reports on Piney Point site progress following hurricanes

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is actively collaborating with the court-appointed receiver to evaluate and manage water levels at the Piney Point site after hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Florida DEP expands Little Big Econ State Forest by over 1,300 acres

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has announced the addition of more than 1,300 acres to the Little Big Econ State Forest. This expansion is part of the Yarborough Ranch Florida Forever Project.

Florida DEP announces new initiative to enhance access to state parks

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has announced the launch of its 2024-25 Great Outdoors Initiative. This initiative aims to expand public access, increase outdoor activities, and provide new lodging options across Florida's state parks. The effort underscores the state's commitment to conservation, the outdoor recreation economy, and enhancing the quality of life for Floridians.

Piney Point progresses towards final closure amid ongoing remediation efforts

The court-appointed receiver continues to remove the soft materials associated with the previous Port Manatee Berth 12 dredging project from the NGS-South compartment. To date, more than 151,000 cubic yards have been removed for dewatering and consolidation.

Florida DEP's Office of Inspector General seeks reaccreditation

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Office of Inspector General (OIG) Internal Investigations Section is undergoing an assessment to retain accreditation by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA). The assessment, required every three years, will review the OIG’s compliance with approximately 49 standards.

DeSantis signs record budget for Everglades restoration

Governor Ron DeSantis has signed the Focus on Florida’s Future Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25, marking the largest single-year investment in Everglades restoration projects in Florida's history. The budget allocates $3.1 billion to expedite critical Everglades restoration projects, protect and restore Florida’s waterways using sound science, and fund infrastructure projects aimed at improving water quality and supply.

Florida signs MOU with South Korean agency on harmful algal bloom management

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with South Korea’s National Institute of Environmental Research to enhance international collaboration on harmful algal bloom management and response, including blue-green algae. This MOU is an outcome of the trade mission Governor DeSantis led to South Korea, Japan, the United Kingdom, and Israel aimed at expanding economic opportunities and collaboration.