Florida seen from space at night. Photo by NASA Earth Observatory Noah Valenstein, secretary of Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection, announced his resignation Thursday, effective on Friday, June 4. Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office acknowledged late Thursday Valenstein submitted his letter of resignation on May 8 but did not make it public until he notified department employees earlier Thursday. He has worked at DEP since the administration of former Gov. Rick Scott and has served as secretary since 2017. Noah Valenstein, Secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Credit: DEP Valenstein wrote in a letter he addressed to his “team” Thursday that Shawn Hamilton will succeed him as interim secretary of the department. Hamilton is deputy secretary over the Division of Land and Recreation, which manages state parks and the Florida Forever land-conservation program. Hamilton has been with DEP for 13 years.