Compliance is a priority for DEP because it is key to protecting Florida's public health and the environment.

DEP takes a proactive approach to protecting Florida’s environment through education and outreach. DEP’s overall high compliance rate demonstrates that its proactive approach to protecting Florida’s environment is working. The department’s first goal is to prevent environmental harm from occurring by using outreach to ensure facilities understand how to maintain compliance. Compliance means that regulated businesses and facilities are following the law and adhering to permit conditions, which helps to prevent environmental harm. When non-compliance does occur, the department provides compliance assistance to help bring a facility back into compliance as quickly as possible, preventing and reducing any harm to the environmental or public health. However, when enforcement is necessary, action is taken to hold violators accountable.

The South District's Compliance Assurance Program's responsibilities include:

  • Oversee compliance with environmental laws in multiple areas (air, waste, water and state lands)
  • Conduct inspections to determine the compliance status of regulated facilities
  • Provide the regulated community with compliance assistance
  • Promote high compliance rates through outreach activities
  • Respond to complaints and citizen inquiries both timely and effectively
  • Enforce environmental laws fairly and consistently to protect human health and the environment
  • Provide Florida's residents, businesses and visitors with the highest customer service

The District Compliance Assurance Program centers primarily on the following programs:

South District Compliance Assurance Program AreasContact NameContact Information

Air Resources
Regulates stationary sources of air pollution; fugitive emissions; odors; open burning; asbestos; excessive dust.

Renee Kwiat

Renee.Kwiat@FloridaDEP.gov

239-344-5673

Beaches and Coastal Systems
Regulates beach construction; management of coastal sediments to reduce erosion stress; restoration and maintenance of critically eroding beaches.

Kelly Cramer

Kelly.Cramer@FloridaDEP.gov

239-344-5628

Clean Marina Program

Brings awareness to marine facilities and boaters regarding environmentally friendly practices.

 Clean Boating Program Contacts

Emergency Response

Responds to incidents ranging from petroleum spills to chemical plant explosions to coastal oil spills. Provides on-site technical assistance and coordinates with local public safety officials and emergency response contractors to ensure threats are quickly and effectively addressed.

Heidi Hoffman

 

 

State Watch Office

Heidi.Hoffman@FloridaDEP.gov

239-344-5684

 

 

To report a spill, call the State Warning Point at 1-800-320-0519

Environmental Resources Program / State 404 Program

Regulates activities in wetlands, surface waters or state lands; dredge & fill; stormwater ponds; docks/piers; boat ramps; shoreline stabilization.

Matt Czahor

Matt.Czahor@FloridaDEP.gov

239-344-5617

Hazardous Waste

Regulates the management (storage, treatment, transport) of hazardous waste (ignitable, reactive, corrosive, toxic).

Pamela Coffin

Pamela.Coffin@FloridaDEP.gov

239-344-5659

NPDES Stormwater

Regulates compliance associated with stormwater discharges from industrial activities.

Matt Czahor

 

Matt.Czahor@FloridaDEP.gov

239-344-5617

 

Petroleum Storage Tanks

Regulates underground or above-ground petroleum storage tanks and piping.

Lina Cerquera

Lina.Cerquera@FloridaDEP.gov

239-344-5697

Potable Water

Regulates drinking water facilities and distribution systems to ensure compliance with state and federal drinking water standards.

Dessy Owiti

Dessy.Owiti@FloridaDEP.gov

239-344-5637

Solid Waste

Regulates solid waste disposal and processing sites (landfills; waste transfer stations, dumping; waste tires; storm debris).

Renee Kwiat

Renee.Kwiat@FloridaDEP.gov

239-344-5673

Underground Injection Control

Manages regulatory compliance associated with wells used for disposal of treated fluids.

Gabriele Starrach

Gabriele.Starrach@FloridaDEP.gov

239-344-5653

 

Wastewater

Regulates systems and facilities associated with domestic (sanitary sewage from residents, businesses, etc.) and industrial (derived from an industrial activity) wastewater.

Deanna Newburg

Deanna.Newburg@FloridaDEP.gov

239-344-5677