The Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection values your contributions, talents, and service. We are dedicated to ensuring you have quality experiences which are productive, rewarding and memorable. We will provide you as a team member with adequate information, training, encouragement, support, and supervision to ensure your success. 

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection manages more than 5.3 million acres of submerged lands and coastal uplands in Florida. Download a printable version of the ORCP managed areas across the state.

The purpose of the Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection (ORCP) Volunteer Procedure Manual is to guide the ORCP Volunteer Programs for both regular-service and occasional-service volunteers. It is the policy of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to utilize volunteers where appropriate, and to provide programs for their recruitment, screening, training, supervision, and use, assisting in various programs administered by the Department.

ORCP greatly appreciates the contributions of its many volunteers, who play an important role in supporting ORCP programs across the state to ensure the preservation of Florida’s valuable coastal resources.

Mangroves are one of Florida's true natives. They thrive in salty environments because they can obtain freshwater from saltwater. Some secrete excess salt through their leaves, while others block absorption of salt at their roots.

Florida's estimated 600,000 acres of mangrove forests contribute to the overall health of the state's southern coastal zone and beyond. This ecosystem traps and cycles various organic materials, chemical elements and important nutrients. Mangrove roots act not only as physical traps but provide attachment surfaces for various marine organisms. Many of these attached organisms filter water through their bodies and, in turn, trap and cycle nutrients.

Seagrasses are grass-like flowering plants that live completely submerged in marine and estuarine waters. Although seagrasses occur throughout the coastal areas of Florida, they are most abundant in Florida Bay and from Tarpon Springs northward to Apalachee Bay in the Gulf of America, which are two of the most extensive seagrass beds in continental North America.

Florida Statutes for the establishment and protection of the Florida Aquatic Preserves.

Florida is often called the boating capital of the nation, with more than 930,000 registered vessels. Florida’s numerous natural resources such as mangroves, seagrasses, estuaries and coral reefs are a major draw for resident and visiting boaters alike. Outdoor activities associated with boating such as birding, fishing, swimming, snorkeling and diving contribute to Florida’s growing economy.  

From world-class fishing, diving and snorkeling to the famed ocean-inspired cuisine, Southeast Florida’s marine finfish and shellfish industries are enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. Florida’s reef ecosystem is home to hundreds of different species of fish and other animals such as shrimp, crabs, sharks and lobster.  

Click the link below to view responsible fishing practices.