Catalyzes the hydrolytic defluorination of fluoroacetate to produce glycolate. Has only very low activity towards chloroacetate. a haloacetate + H2O = a halide anion + glycolate + H(+) Optimum pH is 8.5-9.5. Homodimer. Up-regulated by fluoroacetate. Not detectable in the absence of fluoroacetate, or when cells are grown on Luria broth. Belongs to the AB hydrolase superfamily. Epoxide hydrolase family.