Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ's

Who are our clients?

We serve a variety of clientele including prospective and current land owners, realtors, builders, investors and nonprofits looking to develop residential and commercial properties.

What areas of Florida do we serve?

We proudly serve clients in Central and Southwest Florida.

Counties served: Sarasota, Manatee, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Highlands, Polk, Osceola, Pasco, Hernando, Citrus, Sumter, Lake, Orange and Seminole.

What are wetlands and why are they regulated by local, state and federal law?

Wetlands are transitional areas where water meets land, creating a unique ecosystem characterized by the presence of water either above or below ground, hydric soils, and distinctive vegetation. A few wetland types include marshes, swamps, bogs, and estuaries. Wetlands play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity, providing habitats for various plant and animal species. They also contribute to water purification, flood control, and climate regulation. Due to their ecological significance, wetlands are protected and regulated by local, state, and federal laws to ensure their conservation and sustainable use.

How do I know If wetlands exist on a property?

Prior to acquiring a property or engaging in land-altering activities, it is essential to secure a wetland determination. A wetland determination provides comprehensive information about the presence and characteristics of wetlands on a particular site while also informing clients of their environmental regulatory requirements. It includes delineation of wetland boundaries, specifying where these ecosystems are suspected to be situated and provides insight on wetland quality which provides clients information on potential mitigation costs. Wetland determinations serve as a crucial tool for individuals, landowners, developers, and regulatory agencies to make informed decisions about land purchase, use and development in consideration of wetland ecosystems.

What is wetland mitigation and when do regulatory agencies require it?

Wetland mitigation refers to the process of compensating for the loss or degradation of wetland areas through the restoration, creation, enhancement, or preservation of other wetlands. When development projects impact wetlands, mitigation measures are required by regulatory agencies to offset these impacts. This can involve restoring degraded wetlands, creating new wetlands, enhancing existing wetland habitats, or preserving high-quality wetlands elsewhere through the purchase of wetland mitigation credits. Wetland mitigation aims to achieve a net gain in wetland acreage and functions, thereby maintaining the overall ecological integrity and functionality of wetland ecosystems.

I have gopher tortoises on my property, can I build?

Gopher tortoises are state listed as threatened by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Both the gopher tortoise and their burrows are protected under state law. A relocation permit must be acquired from FWC before disturbing burrows and conducting construction activities. FWC defines disturbing burrows as any work that is conducted within 25’ of a gopher tortoise burrow. We have FWC experienced and approved authorized gopher tortoise agents on staff ready to aid you in gopher tortoise relocation efforts.