Gopher Tortoise Survey & Relocation in Florida

Legally Protected—and Legally Complicated

The gopher tortoise is a keystone species in Florida—and it’s also one of the most heavily regulated. Their burrows can delay or halt construction, complicate land sales, or interfere with development plans. Disturbing a burrow without a permit is illegal and may result in hefty fines.

Wildlife Works provides licensed gopher tortoise survey and relocation services tailored to your needs:
– Residential services in Central Florida (Marion, Citrus, Lake, Sumter, Alachua counties)
– Commercial, agricultural, and land development support statewide

Why Gopher Tortoises Require Special Handling

Their burrows may stretch 40+ feet underground
Over 350 other species rely on gopher tortoise burrows for shelter
Florida law prohibits any disturbance without a permit
Violations may incur state enforcement actions and halt your project
Tortoises must be relocated to approved recipient sites with FWC oversight

Our Gopher Tortoise Services Include:

FWC-certified surveys by trained field technicians
Permit application prep and filing
Relocation coordination to permitted recipient sites
Monitoring and mechanical excavation (if required)
Project support for developers, contractors, and landowners

Residential vs. Commercial Services

Residential (Central Florida Only)

If you’re planning a fence, shed, garage, or land clearing project near a burrow in Marion, Citrus, Lake, Sumter, or Alachua County—we’ll handle the survey and permitting so you stay on schedule and in compliance.

Commercial & Development (Available Statewide)

Whether you’re working on a subdivision, agricultural project, or large-scale land use change, we provide full-scale tortoise permitting and relocation support anywhere in Florida. We partner with developers, engineers, and site contractors.

When You Need a Gopher Tortoise Survey

Before clearing or grading land
If a burrow is found near driveways, patios, or new builds
During land acquisition or property development
When submitting permits for fencing, septic, or foundations
If required by a contractor, engineer, or zoning authority

Why Wildlife Works?

FWC-Approved Protocols & Permitting
Quick Scheduling for residential homeowners and commercial teams
Turnkey Compliance – We handle everything from fieldwork to file submission
Local to Ocala, Trusted Statewide
Conservation-Focused – We remove obstacles without harming protected species

Get the Survey, Permit, and Protection You Need

Call Now: 352-717-8727

Avoid delays, fines, or halted construction. Wildlife Works provides professional gopher tortoise survey and relocation services across Florida—residential in Central Florida, commercial statewide.

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