Lourdes Howell-Thomas

FDLE

Our Mission To promote public safety and strengthen domestic security by providing services in partnership with local, state, and federal criminal justice agencies to prevent, investigate, and solve crimes while protecting Florida's citizens and visitors. Our People FDLE employs about 1,900 members statewide. More information about employment at FDLE can be found in our Employment Information section. Our Budget FDLE's annual budget is over $300 million. Our Structure The head of the department is the Governor and Florida Cabinet (Attorney General, Chief Financial Officer and Commissioner of Agriculture). The Commissioner (Executive Director) is appointed by the Governor, with approval from the Cabinet, and confirmed by the Florida Senate. Our Locations The department provides services across the state. Agency headquarters is in Tallahassee and there are seven regional operations centers located in Pensacola, Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa Bay, Fort Myers and Miami. Our History FDLE was established in 1967. See our General Information page for more details on our evolution and achievements over the years. Our Fundamental Values FDLE is committed to "Service, Integrity, Respect and Quality." Our Role in Domestic Security Since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, FDLE has helped lead the state's domestic security efforts. Under Section 943.0311, FS, FDLE's Executive Director or designee serves as the Chief of Domestic Security in Florida. FDLE's Office of Domestic Security works with federal, state, and local officials to prepare for, prevent, protect, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism that affect the state. Our Accolades FDLE has earned accreditation by the National Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation, and the ANSI National Accreditation Board.