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Florida Department of Environmental Protection

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Florida Department of Environmental Protection

The official page for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. DEP protects, conserves and manages Florida's natural resources.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) protects, conserves and manages Florida's natural resources and enforces the state's environmental laws. DEP oversees and manages Florida's award-winning state parks and trails system. Since 1990, through its innovative land acquisition programs, Preservation 2000 and Florida Forever, more than two million acres of valuable lands have been p

reserved, protecting habitat for 190 native and endangered animals and plants, while restoring ecosystems throughout the state. The department's regulatory priorities include administering Florida's air pollution control programs to best protect human health; protecting and restoring water quality; managing hazardous waste and cleanups; overseeing beach restorations; and reviewing applications for power plants, transmission lines and natural gas pipelines. In addition, DEP’s six district offices ensure statewide compliance with department rules.

07/27/2026

In case you missed it, check out this view of Little Orange Creek, a property acquired through earlier this year.

Protecting Little Orange Creek helps keep northeast Florida’s environment healthy by safeguarding clean water, wetlands and important aquifer recharge areas. It also strengthens a key link in the Florida Wildlife Corridor, giving wildlife safe, connected habitat between the Ocala and Osceola National Forests.

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📍: Little Orange Creek

07/21/2026

Recently, DEP celebrated the groundbreaking of the new Newberry Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant in Alachua County. This project will strengthen wastewater treatment capacity, improve local water quality and support the goals of the Santa Fe Basin Management Action Plan.

Approximately $74 million in project funding was made possible through DEP’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund and Water Quality Improvement Grant, administered by the Division of Water Restoration Assistance.

This investment reflects DEP’s ongoing commitment to protecting Florida’s water resources and supporting communities as they plan for long‑term growth and environmental stewardship.

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07/16/2026

The Bureau of Survey and Mapping is the DEP team responsible for defining, documenting and protecting the boundaries of Florida’s public lands.

Surveyors recently spent time in the field sharpening their skills during a hands‑on training session. Staff practiced setting control points, using Total Stations and learning the techniques needed during real survey operations.

Accurate surveying helps ensure that public lands are clearly defined, responsibly managed and accessible for recreation, conservation and future planning.

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07/13/2026

June marked the start of the Friends of the Guana Tolomato Matanzas Research Reserve’s Adventures in the Estuary Summer Camp, and week one campers jumped right into a full mix of indoor and outdoor learning.

Campers explored estuarine and marine science through hands‑on activities that included a sea turtle presentation with Turtle Patrol Volunteers, kayaking on the water, a day of shark education and a field trip to the Marineland Field Office and Washington Oaks Gardens State Park.

The program gives students a chance to connect with coastal ecosystems, meet local conservation partners and experience the natural world up close.

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💡: Before you go, visit FloridaAquaticPreserves.org for updates and helpful information.

07/10/2026

Northwest Florida Aquatic Preserves staff joined the Pensacola and Perdido Bay Estuary Program to help swap spat tiles for the Oyster Restoration Initiative. Teams also run plankton tows at each site to look for oyster larvae and record water quality at three depths that match the tile levels.

Plankton tows give scientists a close look at the smallest life in our waterways. By collecting samples of drifting larvae and microscopic organisms, teams can track early signs of change in an ecosystem. For oyster restoration, these tows help identify when oyster larvae are present in the water and how well they are dispersing across a bay system.

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💡: Before you go, visit FloridaAquaticPreserves.org for updates and helpful information.

07/08/2026

Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve staff recently teamed up with Wekiwa Springs State Park and the Wekiva Wild and Scenic River Ambassador Program to complete a two‑day, system‑wide bird survey along the Wekiva River.

Survey teams documented around 50 bird species across a variety of habitats, from river corridors to upland forests. These observations help support long‑term wildlife monitoring and offer valuable insight into seasonal bird patterns, habitat use and the overall health of the Wekiva watershed.

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💡: Before you go, visit FloridaAquaticPreserves.org for updates and helpful information.

07/06/2026

Visitors to Sebastian Inlet State Park may notice something new: signs with a quick QR code that lets the public report sightings of banded pelicans. These signs support a successful partnership between the Indian River Lagoon Aquatic Preserves, Sebastian Inlet State Park and the Florida Wildlife Hospital.

Hooked or entangled pelicans treated at the hospital are banded before release, helping biologists track their recovery and movements. It’s a simple way for visitors to help protect Florida’s coastal wildlife, one sighting at a time.

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💡: Before you go, visit FloridaAquaticPreserves.org for updates and helpful information.

07/04/2026

Happy Independence Day!

As we celebrate America 250, we’re reminded that Florida’s lands and waters are part of the broader American story. Protecting them today ensures they remain vibrant for the next generation.

This Fourth of July, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection encourages everyone to celebrate Independence Day by enjoying and protecting the natural resources that make our state extraordinary.

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📍: Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

07/02/2026

This spring, the Northwest Florida Aquatic Preserves team wrapped up fieldwork for the Collaborative Science to Assess Restoration Success (CSTARS) project. With help from staff, volunteers, and partners at the Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program, the team surveyed and mapped seagrass at three living shoreline sites in the Pensacola Bay area.

Over two days, they collected data from 106 survey points, identified several seagrass species, and spotted plenty of wildlife, including blue crabs, pipefish, juvenile fish and even a few stingrays.

All the information gathered will help scientists better understand how seagrass and oyster reefs support each other. One more round of surveys will take place later this year, with more updates to come.

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💡: Before you go, visit FloridaAquaticPreserves.org for updates and helpful information.

06/26/2026

Florida is celebrating the Fourth of July weekend, July 3-5, with free entry to Florida State Parks, giving families and visitors a chance to enjoy the outdoors without an admission fee.

With parks across the state, this is a great opportunity to explore springs, trails, beaches and historic sites while learning about Florida’s natural and cultural resources.

Parks excluded from free entry include:
-Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park.
-Skyway Fishing Pier State Park.
-Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4g3IUPx

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📍: Lake Kissimmee State Park
💡: Plan your adventure at FloridaStateParks.org Before you visit, check the KNOW BEFORE YOU GO section on the park’s webpage for real-time updates and helpful information.
# America250FL

Address

3900 Commonwealth Boulevard
Tallahassee, FL
32399

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm

Telephone

+18502452118

Website

https://floridadep.gov/

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