Which Florida department regulates the hauling, storage and disposal of solid and hazardous waste?

• A. Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)
• B. Florida Department of Health
• C. Florida Department of Transportation
• D. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Answer: (A)

Regulating hauling, storage, and disposal of solid and hazardous waste is the responsibility of Florida's Department of Environmental Protection. This agency is tasked with protecting air, land, and water quality, and it administers the state’s solid waste and hazardous waste programs, issues permits for waste facilities and transport, and enforces rules to prevent pollution. It coordinates with the federal EPA to align state practices with national standards and oversees activities from waste generation to disposal. Other departments focus on health, transportation, or agriculture and do not regulate waste management to the same extent. So the best choice is the Department of Environmental Protection.