Water Topics

DEP protects and monitors water quality, sets restoration goals for surface waters and oversees restoration activities. DEP implements state laws providing for the protection of the quality of Florida’s drinking water, groundwater, rivers, lakes, estuaries and wetlands; reclamation of mined lands; and the preservation of the state’s beach and dune systems. DEP also assists local governments and other entities by providing funding for drinking water, stormwater and wastewater projects. DEP oversees water management districts as they implement water supply and water quality protection programs.

Oleta River State Park - A new growth of mangroves

Aquatic Preserves

Florida has 42 aquatic preserves, encompassing 2.6 million acres, along Florida's coastline, except for four located inland near springs and rivers. All of these waters are ours to enjoy and protect.

Honeymoon Island State Park - Blue Skies & White Sands on the beach

Beaches

Protect, restore and manage Florida's coastal systems and 825 miles of sandy coastline.

Clean Boater Program

Established in 2001, the Clean Boater Program is a derivative of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Clean Vessel Act pumpout grant program.

Bahia Honda State Park - Sunset over the bridge

EHG technical work

Provides technical support for mining projects and mine reclamation, stormwater/surface water management systems, dam safety, and other in-water activities or works.

Florida's Coral Reefs

Florida is the only state in the continental United States with extensive shallow coral reef formations near its coasts.

An aerial view of a salt marsh at Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve

RCP

Coordinates the protection of the state’s natural, cultural and economic coastal resources, and manages more than 5.3 million acres of submerged lands and coastal uplands.

Healthy fish population swimming in Lake Blue Spring

Springs

Florida is home to more large (first and second magnitude) springs than any other state. Springs support ecosystems, flow into rivers and offer many recreational opportunities.

Water Resource Management

Safeguards Florida’s water resources and enhances natural systems through partnering with local communities while providing consistent and effective regulatory processes.

About DEP

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is the state’s lead agency for environmental management and stewardship – protecting our air, water and land. The vision of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is to create strong community partnerships, safeguard Florida’s natural resources and enhance its ecosystems.

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Links

Contact

3900 Commonwealth Boulevard
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000 Public.Services@FloridaDEP.gov 850-245-2118