Gopher Tortoise Services
Gopher Tortoise Surveys, Permitting, and Relocation Support in Florida
Learn more about our gopher tortoise services:
Gopher Tortoises - A Protected Species
Gopher tortoises are a protected species in Florida, and their presence on a property can affect clearing, construction, site design, and development timelines. If gopher tortoise burrows are present within or near a proposed work area, additional surveys, permits, relocation, or protective measures may be required before work can move forward.
Bear Environmental Consulting provides professional gopher tortoise services to help property owners, builders, developers, contractors, real estate professionals, and project teams understand their options and move through the process correctly.
Whether you need an initial survey or assistance with permitting and relocation, we can help identify the appropriate next steps for your project.
Services We Provide
Gopher Tortoise Surveys
Gopher tortoise surveys are used to determine whether gopher tortoise burrows are present on a property or within a proposed project area. Surveys are commonly needed before clearing, grading, building, site development, or permit approval.
A survey may include a review of suitable habitat, systematic pedestrian transects, burrow identification, burrow mapping, burrow status classification, and a written summary of findings.
Best for: property owners, buyers, builders, developers, contractors, and project teams who need to determine whether gopher tortoises or burrows are present before moving forward.
Gopher Tortoise Permitting & Relocation
If gopher tortoise burrows are located within areas proposed for impact, relocation may be required before clearing or construction can proceed. Bear Environmental Consulting can assist with the gopher tortoise permitting and relocation process, including permit preparation, agency coordination, recipient site coordination, exclusion measures, and relocation support.
The appropriate permit type and relocation process depends on the number of burrows, site conditions, project schedule, and proposed impacts.
Best for: projects where gopher tortoise burrows have already been identified within or near proposed construction, clearing, grading, access, or staging areas.
Why Gopher Tortoise Review Matters
Gopher tortoises are state-protected in Florida, and unpermitted impacts to tortoises or their burrows can result in project delays, enforcement issues, additional costs, or required corrective actions. Identifying gopher tortoise concerns early allows you to plan more effectively and avoid surprises during permitting or construction.
A gopher tortoise review can help answer questions such as:
Are gopher tortoise burrows present on the property?
Is suitable gopher tortoise habitat present within the proposed work area?
Could clearing or construction affect occupied or potentially occupied burrows?
Is an FWC permit required before work begins?
Will relocation be needed?
How could gopher tortoise requirements affect the project schedule?
Are exclusionary fencing or monitoring measures recommended?
Common Situations Where Gopher Tortoise Services Are Needed
Gopher tortoise services are commonly requested for:
Residential lot clearing
New home construction
Commercial development
Roadway or access improvements
Utility installation
Agricultural or land management projects
Real estate due diligence
County or municipal permit review
FWC permit applications
Construction projects where burrows are discovered after work has begun
If you are unsure whether gopher tortoise requirements apply to your project, an initial survey or consultation can help determine the appropriate next step.
Our Approach
ear Environmental Consulting focuses on providing clear, practical guidance throughout the gopher tortoise process. We understand that many clients are unfamiliar with wildlife permitting requirements and may only learn about gopher tortoise issues after a county, builder, agency, or contractor raises a concern.
Our goal is to help you understand:
What was observed on the property
Whether burrows or suitable habitat are present
Whether additional survey work is needed
Whether permitting or relocation may be required
What steps are needed before clearing or construction
How the process may affect project timing
We work to keep the process understandable, organized, and aligned with applicable Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission requirements.
What You May Receive
Depending on the requested service, deliverables may include:
Gopher tortoise survey report
Burrow location map
Burrow status summary
Site photographs
GIS-based exhibits
Permit application support
Relocation planning assistance
Recipient site coordination
Construction-phase guidance
Recommended next steps
The specific deliverables depend on the project stage, survey results, and permitting needs.
Related Services
Gopher tortoise projects often overlap with other environmental services. Depending on site conditions, Bear Environmental Consulting may also assist with:
These related services can help support project planning, compliance, and construction readiness.
Need Help With Gopher Tortoises on Your Property?
Contact Bear Environmental Consulting to discuss your property, project plans, and timeline. We can help determine whether a gopher tortoise survey, permitting assistance, relocation coordination, or another service is the right fit.