FLORIDA - Bob Butterworth… the head of Florida's Department Of Children And Families is stepping down.

Now Governor Charlie Crist will have to find a replacement for what he calls the toughest job in florida.

As Channel Three Capitol Reporter Whitney Ray tells us in our third top story

Butterworth leaves some big shoes to fill.

Bob Butterworth will step down August 15th.

It will be up to Governor Charlie Crist to find his replacement.

Bob Butterworth was the longest serving Attorney General in state history.

He took on the NRA and tobacco companies but Butterworth says his 18 months as the Secretary of the Department of Children and Families is the toughest job he ever had.

Bob Butterworth : "I've had a number of opportunities in my almost four decades of public service.. but this I believe has been the greatest challenge and most rewarding challenge."

Butterworth announced his resignation Tuesday. Governor Charlie Crist praised Butterworth and joked about why he appointed him.

Charlie Crist: "It's probably the toughest job in Florida, its probably why people think I appointed a Democrat."

Butterworth took over the troubled agency in January 2007.

"During his 18 months at DCF, the department has seen a record number of adoptions, finding homes for more than 3,500 children."
Under his leadership DCF has been able to cut down on the number of kids in state custody.

Bob Butterworth: "We have 22 percent fewer children in foster care, keeping families together and we're leading the nation in this arena and others."

While Butterworth says his greatest accomplishment was bringing more transparency to a department scrutinized for keeping things from the media, the governor says his legacy will continue through the kids helped under his leadership.Butterworth Resigns From DCF