The "outer continental shelf" (OCS) is a jurisdictional term used to describe those submerged lands that lie seaward of state water boundaries (10.36 statutory miles off Florida’s west coast and 3 nautical miles off the east coast). The federal government manages natural resources on the OCS, while the states manage the resources directly off their coasts. The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, (OCSLA) as amended, is the principal federal law governing mineral activities in federal waters. It was written to guide decisions concerning the exploration for the development of oil, natural gas and other mineral resources on the OCS. One of the requirements of OCSLA is compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). NEPA documents required by OCSLA include Environmental Impact Statements and Environmental Assessments. Under the OCSLA, the mineral resources are managed by the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) to assure their orderly development while protecting human, marine and coastal resources and ensuring that the public receives fair market value for the minerals.

The Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) requires activities conducted, permitted, or funded by federal agencies to be consistent to the maximum extent practicable with the coastal management program of an affected state. Reviews of these activities are coordinated through the Florida Coastal Management Program, State/Federal Clearinghouse. Other federal activities affecting the OCS include: artificial reef permitting, navigational safety; air and water pollution; fisheries management, protection of marine mammals and endangered species; research; dredging and filling.

Under authorities from OSCLA and CZMA, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) reviews activities proposed in federal waters on the outer continental shelf to ensure these activities do not adversely affect state resources. Florida’s OCS Program was initially developed in the Governor’s Office to serve as the state’s single point of contact for all matters regarding OCS oil and gas activities that affect Florida. The OCS Program was transferred from the Governor’s Office to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection on July 1, 2000. The Secretary of DEP is the Governor’s designated contact for OCS matters. The OCS Program is now housed in the DEP Office of Intergovernmental Programs (OIP).

OCS Program staff, under the direction of the OIP Program Administrator, coordinate State reviews of OCSLA documents, NEPA documents, CZMA reviews, proposed laws, rules, information requests, and other materials associated with offshore activities. Staff provide technical analyses, recommendations and expertise; communicate state policy and develop state responses on OCS issues. The OCS Program encompasses a broad range of topics, issues and concerns.

The OCS Program is also the contact point for the US Environmental Protection Agency, Gulf of Mexico Program (GMP). The GMP is a network of state and federal agencies; citizens; businesses and industry; non-profit organizations; and others who are committed to managing and protecting the resources of the Gulf of Mexico. The purpose of the GMP is to provide financial and technical assistance to Gulf states and communities that are facing increasing demands on coastal resources. The GMP is composed of the Policy Review Board, the Management Committee, the Gulf of Mexico Citizens Advisory Council, the Gulf of Mexico Business Council and four Focus Teams comprised of technical and scientific professionals. The Focus Teams include: Habitat, Nonindigenous Species, Public Health and Nutrient Enrichment.

OCS Program staff are the contact point for the GMP in Florida. Staff serve as members of the Management Committee, coordinators of the GMP grants process in Florida and as technical support for the GMP Focus Teams. OCS Program staff represent the Department and the State’s interests in coordinating and evaluating grants proposals that serve to implement specific strategies and initiatives of the GMP’s work plan. They also coordinate with applicable programs in DEP and other agencies to evaluate and develop GMP activities.