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Law Enforcement

Mission Statement

DLE Logo

Protecting Florida's natural resources and people through proactive and responsive law enforcement services.

Vision: To be recognized as the leading conservation law enforcement agency in the nation, set apart by strategic vision, clear missions, strong leadership and a professional officer corps.

Motto: Patrol, Protect, Preserve

About FWC's Division of Law Enforcement: The Division of Law Enforcement represents a large part of the FWC's personnel with over 1,000 employees, 878 of whom are sworn officers. 

 In 2012, under direction of the Florida Legislature and Governor Scott, the FWC Division of Law Enforcement was combined with the Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Law Enforcement and parts of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement, including the officers assigned to patrol state forests and the investigator responsible for commercial aquaculture violations.

The Division bases its patrol efforts on its core missions:

Resource Protection

This includes educating the public and enforcing state and federal fisheries and wildlife laws; protecting threatened and endangered species and habitats; managing captive and nonnative wildlife; investigating fish and wildlife crimes; and participating in youth projects to develop the next generation that cares about conservation.

Environmental Protection

This includes educating the public and protecting and preserving cultural and natural resources; protecting state lands and waters; and participation in education and outreach programs about state resources.

Boating and Waterways

This includes enforcing boating rules and regulations, coordinating boating safety campaigns and education; managing public waters and access to them; conducting boating accident investigations; identifying and removing derelict vessels; and investigating vessel theft and title fraud.

Public Safety

FWC officers respond to natural and manmade disasters and search and rescue missions. Specialized response units are equipped to operate by air, land and sea. The Division is a partner in Florida's Mutual Aid Plan, administered by the Florida Division of Emergency Management. The FWC works with other law enforcement agencies to provide intelligence and security support, general law enforcement services and critical incident investigations.

The division director is Colonel Brian G. Smith.