What does the Florida Department of Children and Families enforce?

The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) primarily enforces statutes, which are laws passed by the legislature. Statutes provide the legal framework and authority under which DCF operates and establishes the specific requirements and standards that facilities must follow. This enforcement includes ensuring compliance with state laws regarding the welfare of children and families, which is fundamental to the agency's mission.

While DCF may also have policies, procedures, and guidelines that help interpret and implement these statutes, the core responsibility lies in enforcing the statutes themselves. These statutes are legally binding, and failure to comply can result in legal consequences, making them the primary focus of enforcement activities. Policies and procedures support the application of statutes but do not carry the same legal weight.