Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Recent News About Florida Department of Environmental Protection
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Federal, state, local officials criticize plan for multiple golf courses at Florida park
Teed-off community members and elected leaders have apparently convinced Florida officials to shelve a plan to build three golf courses on state park property in Martin County. -
State protection plans for natural springs don't comply with Florida law, court rules
A state appeals court has overturned an action by Florida environmental regulators, finding that state efforts to protect Florida’s bubbling natural springs fell short because they did not adequately take into account nonpoint pollution sources, such as farm fertilizers. -
Orange County judge dismisses 'rights-of-nature' lawsuit against wetlands developer
Environmentalists whose lawsuit against an Orange County developer was dismissed in circuit court last week are planning to appeal the decision to gain recognition for a “rights-of-nature” amendment recently added to the county’s charter. -
Orange County lake sues to block mixed-use wetlands development
In a novel filing, Orange County water bodies are listed as plaintiffs in a lawsuit being litigated in the Orlando circuit court that alleges the developer of a 1,923-acre site is endangering Lake Mary Jane’s right to exist. -
Florida's environmental agency OKs closure plan to close former fertilizer plant site
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has approved a closure plan that it says will permanently eliminate toxic discharge problems at Piney Point, an industrial site that once housed a phosphate fertilizer plant. -
Man sues Department of Environmental Protection for discrimination
TALLAHASSEE -- A man is suing his former employer for race and gender discrimination by female employees. -
'It presents an imminent hazard': State of Florida sues owners of Piney Point fertilizer plant
Florida has sued the Piney Point fertilizer plant for failure to maintain the complex. -
Florida developers urge federal court to back transfer of wetlands permitting to state agency
Florida business groups are moving to intervene in a lawsuit filed by environmental organizations that aims to stop the transfer of wetlands permitting authority from the federal Environmental Protection Agency to state officials. -
State of Florida sued over algae on sidewalk at park
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - The State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection is facing civil charges from a Columbia County man who says he slipped on an algae-covered sidewalk at Ichetucknee Springs State Park and sustained serious permanent injuries. -
Environmentalists sue U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect endangered Florida plants
Environmental groups aim to launch a volley of civil lawsuits to gain the upper hand on Florida habitat and wetlands oversight issues as President-elect Joe Biden’s administration prepares to assume power in Washington on Jan. 20. -
Florida sugarcane growers again urge dismissal of pre-harvest burning lawsuit
For a third time, defendant companies have called for the dismissal of a long-running class-action lawsuit filed on behalf of Glades residents that accuses sugar cane growers of endangering public health through the practice of pre-harvest burning. -
Paper mill's discharge into Perdido Bay gets legal review
A retired marine biologist has filed a legal challenge against a Cantonment paper mill owner and the state Department of Environmental Protection over a consent order she says is insufficient to protect Perdido Bay against industrial pollution. -
U.S. Sugar points up data errors in plaintiffs' lawsuit on sugarcane burning
In a federal lawsuit against Florida sugarcane farmers, plaintiffs’ attorneys have acknowledged errors in their calculations involving the effects of sugarcane harvesting on air quality in the Glades area. -
Wastewater pollution lawsuit targets city of Largo
In a lawsuit that mirrors complaints against other Florida cities, environmental groups have filed suit against the city of Largo, alleging that it has violated the Clean Water Act by regularly discharging wastewater containing chemicals and other pollutants. -
Legislation that would preempt local 'rights of nature' awaits DeSantis action, as Orange County voters take it up in November
The Florida legislature and Orange County appear to be on a collision course over the issue of granting legal “rights” to elements of nature such as rivers and trees. -
Proposed Florida fracking ban viewed as litigation catalyst
TALLAHASSEE -- A proposed ban on future hydraulic fracturing operations in Florida cleared a legislative committee this month but opponents see the bill as technologically shortsighted and one that could lead to a gusher of lawsuits. -
City of Naples digs in, defends fertilizer ordinance against lawsuit threat
The City of Naples is standing its ground after a group representing landscape businesses, lawn-care professionals and others vowed to sue city officials unless they revamp its controversial fertilizer ordinance. -
Everglades City scores win in Veolia lawsuit over $445K allegedly unpaid for water treatment plant work
Everglades City has been granted part of its motion to dismiss claims filed by a company that says the city owes it more than $445,000 for operating and maintaining a wastewater treatment plant in Collier County. -
Florida appeals court reverses decision denying an oil well drilling permit in Everglades
A Florida state appeals panel has ruled a state agency was wrong to deny a landowner in the Everglades the chance to drill a well to explore for oil. -
Florida and Georgia await special master's decision regarding water rights to the Chatahoochee River
TALLAHASSEE – Following a 30-year dispute between the states of Florida and Georgia over whether or not Georgia should have to cap its consumption of water from the Chattahoochee River, Florida is getting another chance at reclaiming its rights to the water.