These below-average numbers of enforcement actions align with a 19 percent decline in Florida’s environmental agency staff—the largest decrease in number of any state—from 2010 to 2025, according to a report from the Environmental Integrity Project. During the same period, the state’s population increased by approximately 5 million.
“The drop in enforcement likely reflects a genuine drop in capacity, as well as a declining political will,” said PEER Executive Director Tim Whitehouse. He said a smaller staff means fewer inspectors, permit reviewers and case investigators to tackle water quality issues.
“The combination of development interests and the years of hostility toward environmental enforcement have taken its toll on Florida’s ability to address these problems,” he said.