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Home : FWC Permits: Protected Wildlife : Gopher Tortoise

Gopher Tortoise On-line Permitting

On-site Relocation of Five or Fewer Tortoises Only

Photo by Alex KroppWelcome to the gopher tortoise on-line permitting page. Gopher tortoises are protected by state law, Chapter 68A - 27.005, FL Administrative Code. You cannot relocate tortoises without first obtaining a permit from this agency. The Five or Fewer Permit is intended for small parcels slated for development where five or fewer tortoises are to be relocated out of harm's way. Under this permit, you can only relocate tortoises inside the property boundary where they currently occur. Off-site relocations require an entirely different permit procedure.

You DO NOT need to apply for a gopher tortoise relocation permit if you can avoid burrow entrances by 25 feet (see Available Options). Avoiding burrows is less stressful to tortoises than relocation and is often a simpler option for the landowner/homeowner.

To apply for a permit, click "Getting Started" to read through some basic information about tortoise relocation so you can obtain your user ID and password. Once you have your user information, you can fill out an application form and submit it for review. Requests for additional information and application status will be posted on the web site (and e-mailed if you have an e-mail address). When your application is approved, you can print your permit on-line.

To view the status of your application, click "Application Status." Your application status will be shown (pending, request for additional information, approved, denied, expired, or withdrawn). Your approved permit can be printed from this site. You may also withdraw or edit applications from this page. If your approved permit is at least 60 days old and not expired you can also issue yourself a permit amendment for 90 days from this page. Please note that denied, expired, and withdrawn permits over 30 days old will no longer be viewable on the web site.

To search permit records statewide, click "Search Permits." Permit records and their status can be viewed.

Applications may still be submitted using the paper form, but cannot be processed as quickly as electronic applications. This site aims to provide applicants with a faster response time, but it is also up to the applicant to provide timely responses to requests for additional information. Requests for additional information not responded to within 90 days will result in the application being automatically returned.

Online Permit Process:

Links to Additional Resources: