FL S1502

Transfers primary law enforcement powers for environmental crimes investigations from the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to the Department of Environmental Protection's new Division of Law Enforcement, effective July 1, 2019.

Requires a memorandum of agreement between the two agencies detailing responsibilities for oil spill response, state land patrol, enforcement of environmental statutes (chapters 161, 258, 373, 376, 377, 378, 403), and civil violations of department rules.

Establishes the Division of Law Enforcement within the Department of Environmental Protection with full state law enforcement authority for officers meeting certification requirements under section 943.13.

Transfers all personnel and equipment from the Department of Environmental Protection's Office of Emergency Response to the new Division of Law Enforcement.

Protects transferred employees by allowing them to retain accrued leave balances, current position status, and permanent employment status when moving from the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to the Department of Environmental Protection.