FWC - Gopher Tortoise Permits Determination

Determining if you need a permit for 10 or fewer burrows

10 or Fewer Burrows

This permit is available when 10 or fewer burrows will be impacted on a development site and is intended to provide a streamlined, less expensive, and faster option for applicants impacting smaller numbers of tortoises when the gopher tortoises are relocated to suitable on-site and off-site recipient areas. Therefore, the amount of information required for applications is reduced. Applications may be checked by FWC staff, and additional information may be required in situations where submitted information is not clear or does not appear to meet criteria for this permit type.

Such permits usually are issued for smaller properties (such as single-family residential lots), but larger properties may also meet the criteria for this permit when development activities are minimal or only small numbers of burrows are present on the property.

Apply for a 10 or Fewer Burrows permit

If you are an Authorized Gopher Tortoise Agent, the web-based eLearning course is not required and you can apply for this permit by going directly to the online permitting system.

If you have...

10 or fewer gopher tortoises burrows on the development site; and
you can not permanently avoid all tortoise burrows on the development site by 25 feet or more, and
suitable habitat on-site will remain following site development, or
if no suitable habitat will remain on-site following development, the gopher tortoises will be relocated off-site to a certified recipient site by an authorized agent,

and you...

complete the online e-Learning curriculum; and submit a mitigation contribution of $200,

then...

the 10 or Fewer Burrows permit is the right permit for you!