An edition of: WaterAtlas.org Presented By: Coastal & Heartland National Estuary Partnership, USF Water Institute
When, Why, and How to Contact Whom Regarding What
Who to call about environmental concerns and to report environmentally harmful activities.
For potentially life threatening emergencies dial 911.
The operator of a vessel involved in a boating accident where there is personal injury beyond immediate first-aid, death, disappearance of any person under circumstances which indicate death or injury, or if there is damage to the vessel(s) and/or personal property of at least $2,000, must, by the quickest means possible, give notice to one of the following: the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the sheriff of the county in which the accident occurred, or the police chief of the municipality in which the accident occurred, if applicable.
FWCC, Division of Boating Safety
If you have an emergency, call 9-1-1 regardless of county/location.
Sheriffs' Offices (non-emergency):
A harmful algal bloom (HAB) is the proliferation of a toxic or nuisance algal species that negatively affects natural resources or humans. HABs can occur in both inland and coastal waters. In coastal waters they are often referred to as "Red Tides", regardless of whether water is discolored or of which algal species is involved.
Fish kills, diseased fish, or fish with high numbers of parasites may be an indication of a localized environmental problem.
Address miscellaneous questions or concerns to these state and local environmental contacts.
Do not walk or drive through a vapor cloud or spill. Pay attention to any placards – diamond shaped panels with numbers and/or symbols on them. Provide the placard number to authorities. The most important step to protect yourself and others is to avoid or reduce exposure to the chemical.
For emergencies call 9-1-1
Reports of fish, wildlife, boating, or environmental law violation.
FWC, Wildlife Violations 1-888-404-3922 via cell phone, dial *FWC or #FWC depending on service carrier, or text reports to Tip@MyFWC.com You may make a report and remain anonymous. To be eligible for a reward, you must obtain a confidential code number from FWC. To report a nuisance alligator, call 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286)
Maintenance of a vegetated upland margin and a shallow subtidal margin is important to fisheries resources, water quality and minimizing wildlife disturbance. Shoreline vegetation in general, and mangroves in particular, may reduce the loss of property and lives in the event of a storm.
A permit is required to "control, eradicate, remove, or otherwise alter" aquatic plants in all surface bodies of water, except for those wholly owned by one person and not connected to any "Waters of Special Concern".
FWC:
The practice of disposing of biosolids from septic tanks or wastewater treatment systems is regulated at the state or county level, and is prohibited entirely in some counties.
