If you own land in Florida and want to clear it, there's one creature that can stop your entire project: the gopher tortoise.
These prehistoric-looking reptiles are a state-listed threatened species, and disturbing them without proper permits can result in fines of $10,000 or more per tortoise. We've seen landowners unknowingly bulldoze burrows and face devastating legal consequences.
This guide covers everything you need to know to clear your land legally while protecting these important animals.
Why Gopher Tortoises Matter (Beyond the Fines)
Gopher tortoises are called a "keystone species" because their burrows provide shelter for over 350 other species including:
- •Eastern indigo snakes (federally protected)
- •Gopher frogs
- •Florida mice
- •Burrowing owls
- •Various snakes and invertebrates
When you protect a gopher tortoise burrow, you're protecting an entire ecosystem.
Where Gopher Tortoises Live in Florida
Gopher tortoises prefer well-drained, sandy soils in upland habitats. They're most common in:
Central Florida (I-4 Corridor)
Sandy ridges throughout Orlando, Clermont, and Kissimmee have significant populations. The Lake Wales Ridge running through Winter Haven and Lake Wales is prime habitat.
Nature Coast & Ocala Region
The sandy soils of Ocala, Gainesville, and the Ocala National Forest area support large populations. Properties in The Villages and surrounding Sumter County frequently encounter tortoises.
Space Coast & I-95 Corridor
Coastal scrub habitat in Melbourne, Palm Bay, Titusville, and Vero Beach is prime gopher tortoise territory.
Tampa Bay Region
Despite development pressure, populations persist in Lakeland, Plant City, Brandon, and rural areas of Polk County.
The 25-Foot Buffer Rule
Here's the critical rule every landowner must understand:
You cannot disturb soil within 25 feet of an active or inactive gopher tortoise burrow without a permit.
This means:
- •No forestry mulching within 25 feet
- •No excavation or grading
- •No driving heavy equipment over burrows
- •No filling or collapsing burrows
Active burrow signs:
- •Fresh sand apron at entrance
- •Tracks leading in/out
- •Half-moon shaped entrance (matches tortoise shell)
Inactive burrows still require surveys - tortoises may return, or other protected species may be using them.
The Land Clearing Process with Gopher Tortoises
Step 1: Get a Gopher Tortoise Survey
Before any land clearing project, you need a 100% survey of your property conducted by an FWC-authorized agent.
Survey costs:
- •Small lots (under 1 acre): $300-$500
- •1-5 acres: $500-$1,000
- •5-20 acres: $1,000-$2,500
- •Large parcels: $100-$200 per acre
What surveyors look for:
- •Active and inactive burrows
- •Burrow dimensions
- •Signs of recent activity
- •GPS coordinates of each burrow
Step 2: Determine Your Permit Path
Based on survey results, you have several options:
Option A: No Burrows Found You receive a "negative survey" report and can proceed with clearing. Keep this documentation for your records.
Option B: Burrows Found - Avoidance If burrows are in areas you can avoid, you may choose to:
- •Redesign your project around 25-foot buffers
- •Leave natural areas intact
- •This is often the fastest and cheapest option
Option C: Burrows Found - Relocation Required If you cannot avoid the burrows, you'll need an FWC permit for relocation.
Step 3: FWC Permit & Relocation (If Needed)
Permit types:
- •10 or Fewer Burrows: Expedited review, typically 2-3 weeks
- •More Than 10 Burrows: Standard review, 4-6 weeks
Relocation costs:
- •Permit fees: $200-$500
- •Per-tortoise relocation: $200-$500 each
- •Recipient site fees: $2,500-$4,000 per tortoise (varies by site)
Total relocation costs can range from $3,000 for a single tortoise to $50,000+ for large populations.
How Forestry Mulching Helps
Forestry mulching is often the best land clearing method when gopher tortoises are present because:
- •Precision clearing: We can work around 25-foot buffers with accuracy
- •No soil disturbance: Mulching processes vegetation above ground
- •Habitat preservation: We can selectively clear while leaving tortoise-friendly areas
- •Single-pass efficiency: No need for separate tree removal, hauling, and grading
Our DBH selective clearing packages allow us to remove specific vegetation while preserving the sandy, open habitat tortoises prefer.
County-Specific Considerations
Orange County (Orlando Area)
Orange County has additional tree ordinances that may affect your project. Contact us for Orlando-area projects.
Brevard County (Space Coast)
High tortoise density means nearly every project requires surveys. Melbourne and Palm Bay properties should budget for relocation.
Marion County (Ocala Area)
Large rural properties often have significant populations. The Ocala region benefits from nearby recipient sites, potentially reducing relocation costs.
Polk County (Lakeland Area)
Mining reclamation areas have created habitat. Lakeland, Bartow, and Winter Haven all have active populations.
Timeline: Planning Your Project
| Phase | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Survey scheduling | 1-2 weeks | Book early in busy season |
| Survey completion | 1-3 days | Depends on property size |
| Survey report | 3-5 days | Includes GPS coordinates |
| Permit application | Same day | If relocation needed |
| FWC permit review | 2-6 weeks | Based on burrow count |
| Relocation | 1-5 days | Weather dependent |
| Land clearing | Varies | Can begin after clearance |
Pro tip: Start the survey process 2-3 months before you need to begin clearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I clear land without a gopher tortoise survey?
Technically, yes, but you're taking a significant legal risk. If tortoises are harmed, you face fines up to $10,000 per tortoise plus potential criminal charges.
What if I find a tortoise after clearing has started?
Stop work immediately. Do not attempt to move the tortoise yourself. Contact an FWC-authorized agent for guidance.
Are gopher tortoises protected on private property?
Yes. Gopher tortoises are protected throughout Florida regardless of land ownership.
Can I relocate a gopher tortoise myself?
No. Only FWC-authorized agents can legally relocate gopher tortoises.
How long do gopher tortoises live?
40-60 years in the wild, sometimes longer. A tortoise on your property may have been there for decades.
Get Expert Help
At TreeShop, we work with gopher tortoises on nearly every project across Central Florida. We can:
- •Recommend trusted survey providers
- •Design clearing plans around burrow locations
- •Execute precision forestry mulching that respects buffers
- •Help you understand your options before you commit
Get a free estimate for your land clearing project:
- •Orlando & Central Florida
- •Tampa Bay Area
- •Lakeland & Polk County
- •Ocala & Marion County
- •Gainesville & Alachua County
- •Melbourne & Space Coast
- •Daytona Beach & Volusia County
Or call us directly: (386) 843-5266
This guide is for informational purposes. Regulations change, and every property is unique. Always consult with FWC or an authorized agent for your specific situation.