The 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, DEPs six District Offices ensure statewide compliance with department rules.

Together with the South Florida Water Management District, DEP is implementing the 30-year, $10.9 billion Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), which covers 16 counties over an 18,000 square mile area. To date, Florida has committed $2.4 billion toward the 50-50 state/federal cost-share, acquiring nearly 59 percent (more than 229,000 acres) of the land needed for restoration.