Office of Water Policy and Ecosystems Restoration

Ensuring adequate, high quality water for human use and natural systems is essential to sustaining the state’s economy and quality of life. The Office of Water Policy and Ecosystems Restoration is responsible for the regulatory programs that focus on water supply protection and environmental restoration in Florida.

Water Policy

The Water Policy section leads the department in developing appropriate policies based on statutory direction and ensuring effective implementation of its responsibilities under the Florida Water Resources Act. This section addresses statewide water management issues in coordination with the water management districts, other agencies and local governing entities.

Ecosystems Restoration

The Ecosystems Restoration section oversees Everglades restoration efforts for the department, which entails planning, permitting and compliance assistance, and ensuring resources are available for current and future projects. The section’s activities focus on protecting and improving water quality and restoring the ecology and hydrology of the greater South Florida ecosystem, which stretches from the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes near Orlando to the Florida Keys.

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Meet the Director

Edward Smith, Director, Office of Water Policy and Ecosystems Restoration

Edward Smith oversees Everglades restoration efforts for the state of Florida, which entails planning, permitting and compliance assistance for the restoration efforts, as well as working to ensure resources are available for current and future projects.

Prior to his current position, he worked for the Department of Environmental Protection in the Division of Water Facilities Regulation in various roles including NPDES Stormwater Program Administrator, statewide compliance coordinator for wastewater facilities and permit writer in the power plant group.