DEP’s Division of Law Enforcement partners
with Broward County Sheriff’s Office in a canal cleanup.
Why does FDEP need a Bureau of Environmental Investigations (BEI)?
In the 1990s, FDEP formed BEI within the Division of Law Enforcement to address the rapidly growing
number of environmental crimes in Florida. With different missions and objectives, other state agencies
were unable to dedicate investigators to these long-term cases. FDEP knows the importance of these
investigations, which serve to provide protection for the environment and public against unscrupulous
criminals. Our special agents are fully certified state law enforcement investigators who
respond to citizen reports of environmental wrongdoing and initiate investigations of major criminal
violations.
How do FDEP Investigators solve environmental crimes?
FDEP’s plain-clothes investigators work with other state agencies, as well as federal and local law
enforcement and regulatory agencies, to investigate environmental crimes. Criminal evidence may be
gathered through witness and suspect interviews and statements, as well as physical evidence left at
the crime scenes. Investigators also use state-of-the-art technical assistance, which includes the use
of photography and surveillance equipment, and forensic sampling of material at suspected spill sites or
releases. FDEP investigators can make probable cause arrests of suspects or file arrest warrants with the
State Attorney's Office. BEI’s Special Agent Investigators have full powers of arrest in Florida, and
partner with other state, federal and local law enforcement agencies to work together on cases of mutual
interest.
What is the difference between a regulatory violation and an environmental crime?
Frequently both crimes and violations are committed because someone is trying to save money or time, or has
a careless disregard for rules and laws. When we examine the intention of people who had “hands-on”
involvement or those who ordered or assisted others in committing the violation we find differences in these
acts. Regulatory violations, such as Florida Administrative Code violations, often result in civil penalties,
but do not often meet the case criteria of a criminal investigation. Criminal violations, however, may be
handled through a criminal prosecution as well as through a regulatory proceeding. FDEP’s criminal
investigators review all potential criminal complaints, but focus mostly on felony and associated misdemeanor
violations that caused (or could cause) significant environmental harm, and cases that are willful, show
knowledge of the consequences, or show gross, careless disregard for the rules and laws.
How do I report environmental violations?
Please report violations as soon as you become aware of them,
since delays can cause further environmental damage or loss of
evidence. Call 1-877-272-8335 (1-877-2 SAVE FL) or #DEP on your
cellular phone.
Can I report a violation anonymously?
You may remain anonymous and unnamed in your initial call or email, but we encourage you to leave a call back
number. Anonymous complaints frequently do not have enough necessary details, which can hinder case progress.
Contact Environmental Investigations.
Law Enforcement shoulder patch displays are very popular among our web visitors. Although we are very proud
of our insignia, it is our policy to not disseminate patches.
