Mining and Mitigation Program

The Mining and Mitigation Program regulates mining in Florida. Mining Program staff review Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) applications, State 404 (dredge and fill) permit applications, and reclamation plans for mines. Staff are responsible for permitting, compliance, inspection and enforcement at mine sites. More information about the statutes and rules that apply to mining in Florida can be found on the mining rules page.

The Mining and Mitigation Program processes ERPs for most mines, with the exception of some borrow pits, which include sites where sand, shell and clay are extracted that have no on-site material grading or sorting facilities. ERPs for borrow pits that have no onsite sorting, washing, or grading are issued by the water management districts; ERPs for borrow pits with onsite sorting, washing, or grading are processed by the Mining and Mitigation program. The Mining and Mitigation program administers the mandatory reclamation program under Chapter 378, Florida Statutes, for all mines and borrow pits. Mines and borrow pits are subject to mandatory reclamation requirements.

As of Dec. 22, 2020, the Mining and Mitigation Program began processing the state of Florida 404 (dredge and fill) permit applications for mining projects in state-assumed waters. The state of Florida 404 program is a federally-delegated program under the Clean Water Act. Florida utilizes a joint application for ERP and 404; for more information regarding the 404 permitting program, please see the State 404 Program page.

Resources mined in Florida include phosphate, limestone, dolomite, shell, heavy minerals, fuller’s earth, peat, clay, gravel and sand.

View a full-page map of all Florida Mines.

Formal Delineations of Wetlands and Other Surface Waters

The Mining and Mitigation Program also includes staff that do formal delineations of wetlands and other surface waters for mining projects.

Homeland Field Office

The Mining and Mitigation Program is responsible for managing land and restoration projects, such as the Upper Peace River/Saddle Creek Restoration Project at Tenoroc and Integrated Habitat Network (IHN) areas on previously mined lands deeded to the state; these lands were mined prior to the requirement to reclaim. Land management is conducted by the Homeland Field Office. Homeland Office staff also are responsible for permitting, compliance, inspection and enforcement at mine sites. 

Other Mining-Related Activities

Mine Safety: Provides federally mandated MSHA safety and health training throughout the state, as requested by mine operators and mining contractors. This program is conducted through the Florida Public Safety Institute (FPSI) at Tallahassee Community College. To schedule training or for more information, please call Karen Miller at 850-201-7689.

Phosphate Management: The Phosphate Management Program regulates the design, construction, operation and maintenance of phosphogypsum stack systems associated with chemical plants that process phosphate into fertilizer products.

Nonmandatory Land Reclamation: The Nonmandatory Land Reimbursement Program provides funding for the reclamation of eligible phosphate lands mined before July 1975.

Oil and Gas: The Oil and Gas Program regulates oil and gas exploration and production within the state of Florida.