Authorized Gopher Tortoise Agent

Use of an authorized gopher tortoise agent is required at

• all off-site relocation projects, regardless of tortoise capture method;
• on-site relocation projects that involve the relocation of more than 10 burrows.
• on-site relocation projects that involve any method of capture other than bucket trapping, live trapping, or hand shovel excavation.

Authorized agent permits are not issued for scientific collecting or research permits.

Authorized agents assist with many activities during responsible relocation projects including surveying, trapping, marking, transporting, and relocating or gopher tortoises. Each agent permit will clearly state what the agent is permitted to do and will be conditioned accordingly.

Authorized agents must be able to accurately represent and follow FWC policies, guidelines, and rules with the public and with their clients. Please refer to the FWC's Gopher Tortoise Permitting Guidelines for specifics on the experience and training required to qualify for an authorized gopher tortoise agent permit.

In lieu of experience, successful completion of an FWC approved course by Kleinfelder, Wildlands Conservation, and Common Ground Ecology will be accepted (for up to 2 years following course completion) for purposes of meeting the requirements for the Authorized Gopher Tortoise Agent permit. Individuals can choose to be trained and permitted for as few or as many associated activities as they wish. 

If you are interested in applying to become an authorized gopher tortoise agent, please visit the FWC gopher tortoise online permitting site. A username and password is required. Please refer to the authorized gopher tortoise agent permit application checklist for a list of items needed to complete the online application process. 

Authorized agent permits issued or renewed are valid for four years. The permit expiration date is listed on the agent permit in the upper right corner on the first page of the permit.

Authorized agent permits can be renewed at the request of the agent through a permit amendment process before permit expiration. If a permit amendment is not submitted before expiration, the application is processed as a new permit and requires full experience/training and a mitigation contribution. To learn more about the renewal process, please review the Authorized Agent Renewal Training available on the FWC E-learning site.