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The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) is the state's lead agency for environmental management and stewardship. It is responsible for the administration, supervision, development, and conservation of Florida's natural resources, including air, water, and land. The FDEP has an Office of Air Monitoring that assesses the air quality for over 90% of Florida's 21 million citizens. For complaints regarding permitted facilities, odor, dust, smoke, or asbestos, citizens can contact a FDEP district office or air program. The FDEP also has a Public Notice of Pollution, and citizens can contact the Service Desk for business issues or technical assistance. Additionally, the Environmental Assessment and Restoration division of the FDEP monitors and assesses Florida's water quality, identifies and prioritizes pollution problems, and develops and implements restoration strategies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) |
| Address | 3900 Commonwealth Boulevard Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000 |
| [email protected] | |
| Phone Number | 850-245-2118 |
| Website | https://floridadep.gov/ |
| Mission | To create strong community partnerships, safeguard Florida’s natural resources and enhance its ecosystems |
| Scope | Air, water, and land |
| Related Organisations | Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), Florida Hurricane Restoration Reimbursement Grant Program, Florida Health Palm Beach County, Blue-Green Algae Task Force |
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What You'll Learn
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP or DEP) is the state's lead agency for environmental management and stewardship. Its mission is to protect, conserve, and manage Florida's natural resources, including its air, water, and land.
The department was created in 1993 when the state merged the DER with the larger Department of Natural Resources. The FDEP has a broad range of responsibilities, including:
- Administration, supervision, development, and conservation of Florida's natural resources.
- Air quality monitoring, air emission permitting, and compliance.
- Power plant, transmission line, and natural gas pipeline certification.
- Management of state lands, including buying, selling, and leasing.
- Solid and hazardous waste permitting and compliance.
- Petroleum storage systems.
- State recycling programs.
- Contaminated site cleanup.
- Water resources permitting and compliance.
- Grant and loan programs.
The FDEP also has a role in overseeing Everglades restoration, including the Everglades Forever Act and the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. In 2020, the department purchased 20,000 acres of Everglades wetlands to prevent oil drilling. Additionally, the FDEP initiated the 'Southeast Florida Coral Reef Initiative' in 2004, working with the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force to develop conservation strategies.
The department's regulatory approach has been described as shifting from "prosecuting violations to helping industries avoid fines." Until 2012, the FDEP had a dedicated law enforcement division, the Division of Law Enforcement (DLE), which included emergency responders to hazardous materials incidents.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is committed to keeping Floridians informed about the state's environmental conditions, such as algal blooms, and provides updates on its website and through interactive maps.
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Division of Air Resource Management
The Division of Air Resource Management is a part of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), which is the state's lead agency for environmental management and stewardship. The Division of Air Resource Management is responsible for protecting and managing Florida's air resources, including air quality monitoring, permitting, and ensuring compliance with emission sources.
The division is committed to providing fair, consistent, and efficient management of Florida's air resources while also implementing state and federal requirements. It achieves this through its various offices and sections, each with specific functions. These include the Office of Business Planning, which oversees all business management functions and activities required by the Federal Clean Air Act; the Office of Air Monitoring, which supervises air monitoring operations and assesses the air quality for over 90% of Florida's population; the Permit Review Section, which coordinates regulatory activities among state, local, and federal agencies; and the Compliance Assurance Section, which ensures compliance with emission sources.
The Division of Air Resource Management also plays a crucial role in Florida's economic development by enabling a balance between environmental protection and economic growth. Through its efficient management and compliance assurance, the division helps create a sustainable environment conducive to business and industry while also protecting the health and well-being of Florida's residents and visitors.
The division's efforts are supported by a statewide network of air quality monitoring, considered one of the best in the country. This network provides accurate and timely data on air quality, allowing the division to make informed decisions and take necessary actions to protect Florida's air resources. The division also engages with various stakeholders, including industry and academia, to ensure a collaborative approach to environmental protection and to seek their support in pollution prevention initiatives.
Overall, the Division of Air Resource Management plays a vital role in safeguarding Florida's air quality, protecting the health and well-being of its citizens, and contributing to the state's economic development. Through its dedicated offices and sections, the division works diligently to manage Florida's air resources effectively and ensure a sustainable future for the state.
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Office of Air Monitoring
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) is the state's lead agency for environmental management and stewardship, protecting Florida's air, water, and land. The FDEP's vision is to create strong community partnerships, safeguard Florida's natural resources, and enhance its ecosystems.
The FDEP has various divisions, one of which is the Air Resource Management division. This division provides services to the public and industries, managing Florida's air resources while adhering to state and federal requirements. It does so through its Office of Business Planning, Office of Air Monitoring, Permit Review Section, and Compliance Assurance Section.
The Office of Air Monitoring plays a crucial role in overseeing air monitoring operations across Florida. It assesses the air quality for over 90% of Florida's population, which amounts to more than 21 million citizens. This office ensures that Florida's air resources are managed fairly, consistently, and efficiently.
If you have concerns or complaints about air pollution in your area, you can contact the Office of Air Monitoring or a DEP district office/air program near you. These offices are equipped to handle issues related to permitted facilities, odors, dust, smoke, or asbestos. Additionally, you can refer to Clean Air Florida for informative resources, videos, and educational materials on air quality.
The FDEP is committed to protecting Florida's environment and addressing pollution-related issues. Through its various divisions and offices, the department works to safeguard the state's air quality and natural resources for the benefit of its citizens and ecosystems.
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Office of Business Planning
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) is the state's principal agency for environmental management and stewardship, and it plays a crucial role in addressing pollution issues. Within the FDEP, the Office of Business Planning operates as one of the key divisions responsible for managing Florida's natural resources and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
The Office of Business Planning is dedicated to fostering sustainable business practices and addressing the environmental impact of commercial activities. It provides guidance and support to businesses in Florida to help them navigate the complex landscape of environmental regulations. This includes assisting businesses in understanding their obligations regarding water management, waste disposal, and air pollution discharges. By offering resources and expertise, the office helps businesses integrate sustainable practices into their operations, thereby reducing their environmental footprint.
One of the critical functions of the Office of Business Planning is permitting and compliance. This involves evaluating business operations and issuing permits for activities that have the potential to impact the environment. The office works closely with businesses to ensure they meet the necessary standards and adhere to environmental laws and regulations. This process helps identify and mitigate potential sources of pollution before they become a hazard to Florida's natural resources.
Additionally, the Office of Business Planning actively engages with the business community to promote environmental stewardship. It encourages businesses to adopt sustainable practices voluntarily and emphasizes the long-term benefits of such practices for both the environment and their operations. By fostering partnerships and collaborations, the office helps create a network of environmentally conscious businesses that support each other in their journey towards sustainability.
The Office of Business Planning also serves as a crucial link between businesses and other environmental agencies in Florida. It facilitates coordination and collaboration among various organizations, ensuring a comprehensive approach to pollution control and natural resource management. By working together with other divisions within the FDEP, such as the Office of Air Monitoring and the Permit Review Section, the office ensures that Florida's air, water, and land are protected through efficient implementation of regulations and policies.
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Permit Review Section
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) is the state's lead agency for environmental management and stewardship, including the protection of air, water, and land. The FDEP's vision is to create strong community partnerships, safeguard Florida's natural resources, and enhance its ecosystems.
The Air Permit Review Section of the FDEP plays a crucial role in managing the state's air quality and ensuring compliance with regulations. This section oversees the permitting process for both major and minor sources of air pollution in Florida. The FDEP's Division of Air Resource Management, six district offices, and local air programs are responsible for processing applications for various air permits.
There are three types of air operation permits:
- Minor Source Air Operation Permit: This permit is for minor sources of air pollution, which have a relatively lower impact on air quality.
- Federally Enforceable State Operating Permit (FESOP): A FESOP is issued to establish a synthetic minor source, which may have the potential to become a major source of pollution without proper controls.
- Title V Air Operation Permit: This permit is required for major sources of air pollution, as defined by federal regulations. Title V permits are the most stringent and are subject to stricter enforcement and compliance measures.
Businesses operating equipment that emits air pollution as part of their normal operations generally require an air permit, unless they meet certain exemptions outlined in the Florida Administrative Code. These exemptions are based on factors such as industrial categories, operational conditions, and generic emissions thresholds. Additionally, the FDEP may grant exemptions on a case-by-case basis if it is determined that emissions will not have adverse effects and regulation is not reasonably justified.
The Air Permit Review Section also handles Air Construction Permits (AC permits). These permits are necessary for the construction of new air pollution sources, modification of existing sources, or changes in underlying conditions specified in previously issued AC permits. The AC permit authorizes the owner or operator to construct or modify the source, test for air emissions, and apply for an air operation permit. This pre-construction review process is also known as "new source review."
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Frequently asked questions
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the state's lead agency for environmental management and stewardship. You can contact them via mail, phone or email.
3900 Commonwealth Boulevard Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000.
(850) 245-2118.
For business issues or technical assistance, call the Service Desk at (850) 245-7555.
