Local Government

The Gopher Tortoise Management Plan initiated increased coordination between the FWC and local governments for protected species conservation. FWC staff started organizing regional workshops each year to present information on how local governments, stakeholders, and the FWC can work together to conserve species for mutual benefit. Local government workshops provide information on habitat acquisition and management, regulations and permitting, education and outreach, minimizing and reporting violations, and establishing local policies that protect Species of Greatest Need.

Local governments are often one of the first points of contact for individuals applying for clearing or building permits. Coordination with local governments in this process improves the FWC’s efforts to minimize the loss of State-designated Threatened species, increases regulatory compliance, and streamlines the permitting process.

What local governments need to know:

Activities that result in take as defined in 68A-27.001 F.A.C. of State-designated Threatened species are prohibited without a permit from the FWC. For example, permits are required for any development or construction activity within 25 feet of a gopher tortoise burrow or within a 33 feet buffer of Florida burrowing owl burrows. The FWC encourages local governments to disclose this information early in the process to individuals applying for local government land clearing or building permits.

Ensuring that FWC permits are obtained earlier in the permit approval process, prior to local permits being issued, reduces the risk of construction delays or fines.

If you are interested in consulting with the FWC to integrate protected species considerations into your local permitting
process, please contact our Local Government Coordinator. 

Local governments play a substantial role in conservation and management of Species of Greastest Conservation Need by providing protected and well-managed natural areas. A number of local governments have also created habitat acquisition programs. Local governments can also apply to have their lands designated as gopher tortoise recipient sites or waif tortoise recipient sites. 

Since 2009, the FWC has offered financial assistance to local governments to promote and assist in gopher tortoise habitat restoration and management. This fund helps ensure lands protected by local governments remain suitable for gopher tortoises, burrow commensals, and other Species of Greatest Conservation Need over time. 

The FWC requests project applications from local governments which will optimize gopher tortoise carrying capacity on protected lands through appropriate habitat management. Habitat Management Assistance Funding requests must be for active management of potential gopher tortoise habitat and/or for the installation of silt fencing constructed for the soft-release of gopher tortoises associated with incidental take permit or waif gopher tortoise recipient sites. Awarded projects may be provided additional assistance funding to implement management actions that benefit Species of Greatest Conservation Need selected from the State Wildlife Action Plan.

Please check back for the upcoming fiscal year’s applications for full details about the Habitat Management Assistance Funds opportunity.