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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 preserved, 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.

09/12/2026

Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve staff recently supported university researchers with fieldwork on the Guana Peninsula as part of a long‑term effort to track marsh migration into upland areas.

This monitoring helps DEP understand how changes in vegetation, soil and elevation should affect future management strategies for these coastal ecosystems.

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

09/09/2026

Rookery Bay Research Reserve staff use wildlife cameras each crocodile nesting season to watch over nests and learn more about how these reptiles care for their young. The footage offers a close look at the incredible dedication of crocodile mothers as they guard and rebury their eggs to keep them safe.

With the babies expected to emerge any day, both the mother and our stewardship team are keeping a close eye on the site.

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

09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day!

Labor Day is a moment to recognize the people who keep Florida’s environment protected. From scientists and engineers to park rangers and emergency responders, DEP staff work every day to safeguard Florida’s air, land and water.

Thank you for your dedication to Florida’s environment!

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09/03/2026

Northwest Florida Aquatic Preserves staff and Oyster Corps volunteers wrapped up another round of seagrass monitoring in Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve. Over three days, the team surveyed 25 sites along a 14-mile stretch of the Preserve, studying 100 total small sample plots to see how local seagrass is doing.

The team also spotted some exciting wildlife, including live sand dollars and, for the first time in 10 years surveying in Fort Pickens, a sea urchin.

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

08/27/2026

FSU conservation summer campers recently visited the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve to explore how scientists study and protect coastal ecosystems. Students examined the Reserve’s living shoreline and learned how field surveys help track the health of marsh communities.

They also discussed how resilient building design supports coastal research facilities, tying into lessons on structures built to withstand flooding. After reviewing their findings, the group visited the nature center to learn about local species, including tupelo trees and even tried a blind tupelo honey taste test.

Experiences like these show how hands‑on science inspires future stewards and connects students to the natural systems that shape Florida’s coast.

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

08/21/2026

Northwest Florida Aquatic Preserves staff and Oyster Corps have spent the past several months building four new saltmarsh cordgrass grow‑out frames that will serve as donor marshes for future living shoreline projects. These frames reduce the need for wild plant collection and create a sustainable source of marsh grasses.

Once established, these six large frames will provide healthy plants for living shoreline restoration and help strengthen coastal resilience across Northwest Florida.

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

08/17/2026

Public lands have played a defining role in shaping both Florida and the United States. From early land surveys and conservation efforts to today’s parks, preserves and working landscapes, these places have supported communities, protected natural resources and preserved the stories that connect us to our shared past.

Across Florida, public lands safeguard water resources, provide wildlife habitat and offer spaces for recreation and learning.

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08/13/2026

Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve’s 2026 sea turtle season is well underway, and nesting numbers are strong!

Staff have documented 135 nests on Cape Romano and 135 in the Ten Thousand Islands, a healthy mid‑season count for this region. As of July 21, 25 nests have hatched on Cape Romano and 31 in the Ten Thousand Islands.

While monitoring beaches, the team even discovered a diamondback terrapin nest. Known for the diamond-shaped patterns on their shells, these are the only turtles in the Western Hemisphere that live exclusively in brackish water. The highlight of the season may be a rare Green Sea Turtle nest, identified by the mother’s distinctive parallel tracks.

Rookery Bay’s sea turtle program is having a bright and active season, showcasing the importance of protecting Florida’s coastal habitats.

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

08/12/2026

Prescribed fire is one of Florida’s most important land‑management tools. When applied carefully by trained professionals, it reduces wildfire risk, supports native plants and wildlife and helps keep natural areas healthy for future generations.

Across the state, Florida’s land managers use prescribed fire to clear excess vegetation, restore habitat and maintain the balance of fire‑dependent ecosystems like pine flatwoods and scrub. These planned burns are conducted under strict weather and safety conditions to protect nearby communities and natural resources.

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08/10/2026

Before digital tools, early land offices relied on maps, plats and ledgers to track ownership, boundaries and land use, creating a foundation for accountability and informed decision‑making.

Today, the State‑Owned Lands Inventory team carries that mission forward through FL‑SOLARIS, Florida’s comprehensive digital inventory of state‑owned lands. By maintaining accurate and accessible information, the team supports conservation planning, interagency coordination, transparency and responsible resource management across the state.

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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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