Secretary Alexis A. Lambert

Secretary Alexis Lambert

Alexis A. Lambert was appointed Secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection by Governor Ron DeSantis on Nov. 7, 2024. With nearly 20 years of public service experience and a strong commitment to natural resource protection, Alexis brings extensive knowledge and proven leadership to the department.

Most recently, Alexis served as the Chief of Staff for the Florida Division of Bond Finance, where she played a pivotal role in overseeing the issuance of bonds for state agencies and authorities. The proceeds of these bonds finance many of the state’s environmental priorities, including conservation and recreation land acquisitions, pollution control facilities and water management projects.

Before joining the Division, Alexis was Chief of Staff at the Florida Department of Health, where she helped direct the day-to-day operations and strategic planning for an agency with approximately 15,000 employees statewide.

Alexis began her career in the communications field, serving as the lead spokesperson for several state agencies, including the Department of Children and Families, Department of Business and Professional Regulation and Florida’s Chief Financial Officer.

Known for her ability to foster collaboration, Alexis has built a reputation for bringing diverse groups together to overcome challenges and achieve shared goals. She is committed to continuing this approach in her role as DEP Secretary, prioritizing partnerships that advance environmental stewardship and sustainability.

A Tallahassee native, Alexis holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Mercer University. She and her husband Matt have two daughters, Georgia and Evelyn.

Office of the Secretary

The secretary works alongside more than 2,900 full-time and 1,300 OPS employees to protect Florida's water and natural resources. Along with oversight of the agency's strategic and executive leadership teams, DEP's regulatory programs, ecosystem and restoration programs and land and recreation programs.

The secretary oversees all functions of the department:

  • Ecosystems Restoration oversees Florida water quality, restoration and research, including coastal resources, the Everglades and water restoration assistance.
  • Land and Recreation oversees public lands, including Florida State Parks, the Office of Greenways and Trails and the Division of State Lands.
  • Regulatory Programs oversees the air resource, water resource and waste management divisions; the Florida Geological Survey, the Office of Emergency Response and six regulatory district offices.
  • Division of Administrative Services provides centralized support in the areas of budget and planning, finance and accounting, human resource management and others.
  • Office of Cabinet Affairs acts as the liaison for DEP's submissions to the Governor and Florida Cabinet, managing the preparation, review and transmittal of agenda items related to state lands and other departmental matters. It also serves as the central point of contact for the Cabinet offices.
  • Office of General Counsel represents DEP and provides counsel in implementing Florida's top environmental priorities.
  • Office of Inspector General promotes accountability, efficiency and integrity in government.
  • Office of Intergovernmental Programs oversees the state of Florida Clearinghouse and DEP's review of local government comprehensive plans.
  • Office of Legislative Affairs develops and coordinates the department's legislative lobbying efforts and serves as the central point of contact for legislators and their staff.
  • Office of Technology and Information Services provides support services to DEP's divisions and offices in Tallahassee as well as its six regulatory and five park districts across the state.