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Gopher Tortoise Permits

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Got gophers? Get permits.

Gopher tortoises are protected by state law, Chapter 68A - 27.005, FL Administrative Code. If you have gopher tortoises on your property, you need to get a FWC relocation permit before disturbing the burrows.  A disturbance includes any type of work within 25 feet of a gopher tortoise burrow. Most typical activities associated with residential lawn and landscape maintenance do not require a permit, provided they do not collapse gopher tortoise burrows or harm gopher tortoises.

Gopher tortoise 10 or fewer burrows relocation permit

As of April 2009

The 10 or Fewer Burrows Relocation permit is for projects, usually single residential construction, which require the relocation of five or fewer tortoises (10 burrows or less).

If tortoises are going to be relocated on-site (within the boundary of the development specified in the application) the individual capturing and relocating the tortoises must complete the FWC online training prior to capturing gopher tortoises. If tortoises will be relocated off-site (outside the boundary of the development specified in the application) a permitted authorized agent must capture and relocate the tortoises.

For additional information on gopher tortoise relocation permits, refer to the FWC gopher tortoise permitting guidelines.  To apply for a gopher tortoise 10 or fewer burrows relocation permit visit FWC gopher tortoise on-line permitting site.