“Dedicated to excellence in public service and environmental protection.” The Division of Law Enforcement – Florida’s first state law enforcement agency – has grown from a small regulatory agency with very narrow marine conservation-related duties into an expanded organization with full law enforcement powers and a broad range of environmental responsibilities.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Division of Law Enforcement is Florida's oldest state law enforcement agency, dating back to 1913 when the Legislature created the shellfish commission to supervise the newly emerging commercial fishing industry.

Now, nearly a century later, the Division oversees the bureaus of Emergency Response, Environmental Investigations, Park Police and the Training Center. Together these bureaus are responsible for protecting the people, environment as well as Florida’s cultural and natural resources through enforcement, education and public service. In addition, the Division of Law Enforcement provides assistance in disasters such as hurricanes, oil or chemical spills, or other threatening conditions that endanger life or property.

The 138 officers and investigators within DEP are sworn state law enforcement officers with full powers of arrest. As the uniformed law enforcement representative of DEP, the Division’s officers are the guardians in the field, responsible for the enforcement of Florida's environmental laws and regulations for the detection and investigation of suspected violations.

Each day, Division personnel assist in emergency response, conduct environmental investigations, patrol 161 state parks and educate the public to ensure that Florida’s environment is protected for the generations to come.

Mangrove Vandal Wanted

Environmental vandals in Collier County tore up trails of mangroves, leaving destruction that may never be able to be repaired.  “It’s unbelievable. It’s the most damage I’ve ever observed," said investigator Toby Fogle of the Department of Environmental Protection Learn more

Are you interested in a challenging career protecting Florida’s environment?

Learn what it takes to become a Law Enforcement Officer with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). DEP’s police officers and environmental crime investigators safeguard visitors to our state-managed lands and our environment. Learn more