Gopher Tortoise Relocation: Your Trusted Experts
We’re proud to be Florida’s #1 authorized agents for gopher tortoise relocation, and it’s not just a title – it’s our speed and the experience of our ecologists that set us apart. We handle hundreds of relocations each year, keeping projects on track and fully compliant with the latest regulations. With us, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your project is in the hands of experienced professionals.
Why Should You Be Concerned About Gopher Tortoises?
In Florida, gopher tortoises are protected by law, and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) guidelines regulate how they can be handled. If not properly managed, the presence of burrows can lead to delays and added costs. That’s where we come in – helping you navigate the process smoothly and avoid any disruptions to your timeline.
When Is a Permit Required?
A permit is needed if you need to disturb the ground within 25 feet of a gopher tortoise burrow. Without one, you could face fines and project delays.
What You’ll Need for a Permit and Relocation?
To apply for a permit and relocate gopher tortoises, you will need:
- Land Ownership: Confirmation of ownership or written authorization from the owner.
- Building Site Plan: A detailed layout showing areas impacted by construction.
- Building Permit: Either a current permit or proof of a permit application.
How Fast Can You Get a Permit?
We will submit your application within 1-3 days, but it typically takes 3 to 5 weeks for the FWC to issue a permit.
Our Simple, End-to-End Process
- Gopher Tortoise Survey: Our expert ecologists survey your land to find and assess gopher tortoise burrows.
- Permit Application: We handle all paperwork and submit your permit application to the FWC on your behalf.
- Gopher Tortoise Relocation: Once approved, our certified agents excavate the burrows and relocate the tortoises safely.
- Final Documentation: We complete and submit all the required paperwork to keep your project compliant and on track.
What are my Relocation Options? - where do the Tortoises go?
There are two primary options for relocating captured tortoises, each with its own tradeoffs:
On-Site Relocation:
This option is available for projects with 10 or fewer burrows and is the most affordable. However, it requires leaving a portion of the land in its natural, undisturbed state, which may necessitate adjustments to your building site plan. Additionally, FWC imposes specific requirements for approving this method. For more details, see our blog post on on-site vs. off-site relocation.
Off-Site Relocation:
This is the most common option, where tortoises are relocated to FWC-approved recipient sites / sanctuaries at a per-tortoise fee. While this approach allows you full use of the entire property without any restrictions, it does come with a higher cost compared to on-site relocation due to the third-party sanctuary fees involved
Reviews
We’ve worked with IVA Environmental for many years and trust them to handle all our gopher tortoise relocations. Their speed and expertise keep us compliant with FWC regulations without slowing down our projects. From permits to relocations, they manage everything efficiently, helping us avoid delays and extra costs. If you need a reliable partner to keep your projects on track, IVA is the team to call
Permit Coordinator, Large Florida Developer
Let’s Get Started
We know how important your timelines are. Don’t let gopher tortoise regulations slow you down – contact us today, and we’ll guide you through the entire process from start to finish.
