Environmental Resource Permitting
The Environmental Resource Permitting Program addresses dredging, filling, and construction in wetlands and other surface water, as well as stormwater and surface water management systems in uplands.  The program is designed to ensure that activities in uplands, wetlands and other surface waters do not degrade water quality or degrade habitat for aquatic or wetland dependent wildlife.  The five Water Management District Offices and six DEP District Offices share the responsibility of implementing the ERP program.

Florida Wetland Restoration Information Center
The goal of the Florida Wetland Restoration Information Center is to develop the framework for a statewide ecological restoration program for wetlands and their associated uplands using ecosystem management and ecological principles.

Geographic Information Systems and Technical Support
The wetlands program actively utilizes Geographic Information Systems within their permitting program and is developing similar capabilities for many other aspects of the state's wetland program. Technical support, training and transfer of these capabilities to other interested parties is also supported by the wetlands program at the Department of Environmental Protection.

Mangroves
Interpreting and providing guidance on the statutory language, providing oversight of local governments which have been delegated to implement the program, and reviewing applications from persons who wish to be designated as professional mangrove trimmers.

Mitigation
Mitigation provides the option of offsetting wetland impacts by restoring, enhancing, or preserving comparable habitats in an area impacted by development. 

On-going Rule Amendments
Environmental Resource Permitting Program Rule Amendments Currently in Progress

Sovereign Submerged Lands Authorizations
Authorization is required for any construction on or use of submerged lands owned by the State.

Wetland Evaluation and Delineation Section (WEDS)
As part of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, it is the responsibility of the Wetland Evaluation and Delineation Section (WEDS) to perform Formal Wetland Delineations, provide training in wetland delineation and classification, provide technical assistance to other sections of the Department, and ensure the consistent statewide use of the Florida Unified Wetland Delineation Methodology (Chapter 62-340, F.A.C.).

 

For more information, contact: barbara. ruth @dep.state.fl.us