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Gopher Tortoise Program

EXISTING GOPHER TORTOISE STATE PROTECTIONS REMAIN IN PLACE

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife decision to not federally list the eastern distinct population segment of gopher tortoises is a significant success, however there is still work to be done. The gopher tortoise will continue to be state-listed as Threatened in Florida and existing state protections will remain in place.

Gopher tortoises are long-lived reptiles that occupy upland habitat throughout Florida including forests, pastures, and yards. They dig deep burrows for shelter and forage on low-growing plants. Gopher tortoises share their burrows with more than 350 other species, and are therefore referred to as a keystone species. In Florida, the gopher tortoise is listed as Threatened. Both the tortoise and its burrow are protected under state law. Gopher tortoises must be relocated before any land clearing or development takes place, and property owners must obtain permits from the FWC before capturing and relocating tortoises. For more information on gopher tortoise permitting, or how to get involved, please see links below. 

REPORT SICK, INJURED OR DEAD GOPHER TORTOISES TO THE FWC!

Sick or injured tortoise: On weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., please call (850) 921-1030. After hours and on weekends, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's toll-free Wildlife Alert hotline at (888) 404-3922, or use #FWC or *FWC on your cell phone. 

Dead tortoise: Report sightings of dead gopher tortoises on FWC’s mortality web application and provide information on cause of mortality, if known. 

Please report illegal activities or potential tortoise violations to FWC’s Wildlife Alert hotline at (888) 404-3922