Gopher Tortoise Relocation Services
Gopher Tortoise Surveying, Permitting, and Relocation in Southwest Florida
The simple truth is that if you’re looking to build in Southwest Florida, then you’re going to need to check for gopher tortoise burrows. If you discover them too late, then you might run into permitting fees that end up draining your profits on the property.
Creek Engineering offers comprehensive Gopher Tortoise Relocation services throughout Southwest Florida, ensuring adherence to the regulations set by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). But the most valuable step for our clients is the Gopher Tortoise Survey, led by our FWC-certified gopher tortoise agents. Our team conducts thorough on-site surveys to identify and evaluate gopher tortoise burrows, guiding property owners and developers through the process of securing the essential permits for tortoise removal.
Our environmental engineering team is ready to help you navigate the government red tape with in-depth burrow surveys, relocation permit applications, and the safe transfer of tortoises to official FWC recipient sites. We offer support for construction projects, land development, and other enterprises throughout SWFL, serving areas such as North Port, Sarasota, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, and more.
Whether you’re embarking on a single-family residential project or a commercial development, or simply seeking our services as part of your due diligence, our thorough gopher tortoise survey and management solutions guarantee compliance with Florida’s environmental regulations. This ensures you can make well-informed decisions regarding land purchases. We are dedicated to safeguarding this vital species while promoting sustainable and responsible land use practices.
Gopher Tortoise Guidelines
Gopher tortoises and their burrows are protected under Rule 68A-27.003, F.A.C., with permitting and regulations enforced by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
And it’s for a good reason. Gopher tortoises are considered a keystone species because their burrows provide shelter for over 350 other species, including insects, mammals, and other reptiles. The loss of gopher tortoises would therefore have cascading effects on these commensal species and the overall ecosystem’s health.
So, you’re going to need a qualified gopher tortoise agent to enable responsible development.
Our licensed Florida engineering firm reviews the presence of gopher tortoises on your site according to the guidelines from these organizations:
Here’s the official guideline:
Rule 68A-27.003: “The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is hereby declared to be threatened, and shall be afforded the protective provisions specified in this paragraph. No person shall take, attempt to take, pursue, hunt, harass, capture, possess, sell or transport any gopher tortoise or parts thereof or their eggs, or molest, damage, or destroy gopher tortoise burrows, except as authorized by Commission permit or when complying with Commission-approved guidelines for specific actions which may impact gopher tortoises and their burrows.” – Florida Wildlife Commission
Gopher Tortoise Burrow Surveys
First, you’ll need to confirm whether protected tortoises are located on your property. Our gopher tortoise burrow survey identifies any gopher tortoise burrows using GPS location mapping and is delivered in a report and map format. Our staff will walk you through the required setbacks from gopher tortoise burrows and create a relocation plan designed for your goals.
It is critical that burrow surveys be conducted prior to clearing / ground disturbance occurring on-site, as clearing before surveys can lead to a “disturbed site” permitting process and potential civil or criminal penalties.
Gopher Tortoise Permitting
If you discover tortoises on your property, then we’ll help you apply for the appropriate gopher tortoise relocation permit with the FWC. Our team can gather the required details and apply for these permits on your behalf — no more messing with complicated red tape.
We review your site plans to assess the quality of habitat that will remain on-site after the development, and recommend the fastest and most cost-effective relocation option.
Gopher Tortoise Relocation
Once your FWC gopher tortoise permit is in-hand and the FWC has all required documentation, we can start the relocation process to an approved site. Backhoe excavation of burrows is often the most efficient (and safe) approach, but we can also use bucket trapping if existing structures or pavement prevent heavy equipment use.
We handle the necessary capture and transfer of tortoises to a FWC-approved gopher tortoise recipient site. Additionally, we provide silt fencing services to make sure tortoises do not re-enter your construction site, which is essential for on-site relocations. After the tortoises have been successfully relocated, our team will inform you when site preparation and development activities can commence.
Locations We Serve
We’re based in the city of Port Charlotte and service the entire area of Southwest Florida, especially the following counties:
- Charlotte County – Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, Deep Creek, Rotonda West, Cleveland, Burnt Store, Charlotte Harbor, etc.
- Collier County – Naples, Everglades City, Naples Manor, Goodland, etc.
- DeSoto County – Arcadia, Ft. Ogden, Nocatee, etc.
- Hendry County – LaBelle, Harlem, Clewiston, Montura, etc.
- Hillsborough County – Tampa, Ruskin, Plant City, etc.
- Lee County – Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Estero, etc.
- Manatee County – Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, Bayshore Gardens, Palmetto, etc.
- Sarasota County – North Port, Venice, Sarasota, Arcadia, Englewood, Nokomis, etc.
The Creek Engineering Process
Creek Engineering is committed to helping you maintain compliance with conservation regulations through our Pre-Purchase Site Evaluation. Our team has decades of building and engineering experience in Southwest Florida, and we’re passionate about helping our customers create a clear perspective of the value of their entire property.
Site Surveys
Gopher Tortoise Permitting
Relocate Tortoises
Contact Us
Need Gopher Tortoise services for your upcoming development project? Contact our team today:
Gopher Tortoise Relocation
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, according to the FWC, the tortoises can and should be removed before developing your property:
“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.”
In Florida, tortoises are active throughout the year because of the warm weather. However, their highest level of activity takes place from May to August, when they are outside of their burrows. In the colder regions of northern Florida, tortoises usually hibernate in their burrows during the winter months, but they may come out to sunbathe or search for food on mild winter days.