Report Summary
Since 2004, PEER has examined Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) data to assess state trends in pollution enforcement.
While there was a slight increase in the number of Florida’s environmental enforcement actions in 2024, state records show they are still well below historical averages.
Florida DEP enforces a wide array of laws that protect the state’s environment and the health of its residents. These include laws protecting air resources from industrial pollution; the quality of Florida’s water, rivers, lakes, estuaries, and wetlands; the state’s beach and dune systems; and the environment from the improper handling and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes.
Florida’s lack of environmental law enforcement threatens the state’s water quality and its long-term economic health, including revenue from tourism. Stronger enforcement of environmental laws will help address Florida’s environmental crises.
