A biological survey and habitat assessment typically is required by local Land Development
Regulation in Florida, as well as part of the ERP permit process for the majority of
development projects. It is illegal to harm or harass listed species or their habitat. A cursory
biological survey is recommended for all development projects where listed species may be
present, as property owners may be held liable for impacts to State or Federally listed wildlife
species, even on small, residential lots.
A biological survey and habitat assessment is a
comprehensive review of available listed plants, wildlife and
land classification databases, followed by an on-site
verification of site conditions. Staff scientists conduct a thorough
review of your site that will meet the Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission’s requirements, and the results will be
presented in a Biological Survey Report sufficient for submittal to your County and
Water Management District for development purposes. Our staff are here to answer
any questions you have involving the process, and are available to discuss
preliminary results for your property immediately following field reviews.
Biological & Habitat Assessment
The Florida black bear (Ursus americanus
floridanus), a State protected species, is
known to wander a territory of up to 120
square miles, and is sometimes found
scavenging residential areas far from
favorable habitat.
Snags - or dead, standing trees - provide excellent
nesting and perching spots for many listed bird
species.
The Florida Spiney Pod is listed as an
Endangered species by the State of Florida.
Plant species are generally afforded less
protection than wildlife species, and most
protections are limited to preventing the
taking of species on public lands.
Biological surveys sometimes reveals the
presence of wildlife in unexpected places.
The bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
was recently removed from the Federal
Endangered / Threatened Species list, but is
still afforded numerous protections in the
State of Florida and through the Bald and
Golden Eagle Protection Act.
The Sherman's fox squirrel (Sciurus niger
shermani) is a relatively common protected
wildlife species, often found in open, man
altered areas such as public parks and golf
courses.
The American alligator (Alligator
mississippiensis) is a common site in
Florida waters. The gator is protected in
Florida as a species of special concern,
but the state does issue a limited
number of hunting permits each year.
