The Florida Marine Patrol, the Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, the Florida Marine Research Institute and the Office of Fisheries Management and Assistance Services of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection all merged to form the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) on July 1, 1999 as required by an amendment to the Florida Constitution.

The Division of Law Enforcement represents about half of the agency’s personnel, with 902 employees, 722 of whom are sworn officers. The division emphasizes compliance with fishing and hunting regulations, they enforce state and federal laws that protect threatened and endangered species, they enforce laws dealing with commercial trade of wildlife and wildlife products, and they enforce boating safety laws and regulations. The division is a partner with other state law enforcement agencies pursuant to Florida’s Mutual Aid Plan, administered by the Department of Community Affairs, they perform search and rescue, and they provide information and law enforcement service and assistance to citizens and visitors alike. The director of the division is Col. Julie Jones.

DLE Florida Regional Map and contact information, click here. (PDF)