The program is designed to ensure that activities in uplands, wetlands and other surface waters do not degrade water quality or degrade habitat for aquatic or wetland dependent wildlife.  The five Water Management District Offices and six DEP District Offices share the responsibility of implementing the ERP program.

Environmental Resource Permitting Program addresses dredging, filling, and construction in wetlands and other surface water, as well as stormwater and surface water management systems in uplands.

Submerged Lands Authorization is required for any construction on or use of submerged lands owned by the State.

Mitigation provides the option of offsetting wetland impacts by restoring, enhancing, or preserving comparable habitats in an area impacted by development.

Geographic Information Systems is used in the permitting program and is being expanded for use in many other aspects of the state's wetland program.

Wetland Evaluation and Delineation Section (WEDS) performs Formal Wetland Delineations, provides training in wetland delineation and classification, provides technical assistance to other sections of the Department, and ensures the consistent statewide use of the Florida Unified Wetland Delineation Methodology (Chapter 62-340, F.A.C.).

Office of Submerged Lands and Environmental Resources (SLER) in Tallahassee