The gopher tortoise is a keystone species in Florida’s ecosystems and one of the most legally protected animals in the state. While their burrows benefit hundreds of other species, their presence on residential or commercial property can complicate landscaping, construction, or development plans. Understanding their behavior, legal protections, and ethical handling is essential for anyone who encounters them.
The gopher tortoise is a terrestrial reptile with a domed, grayish-brown shell and sturdy, elephantine legs designed for digging. Adults typically measure 9 to 15 inches in length. Unlike aquatic turtles, they have no webbing between their toes and are rarely seen near water.
They are slow-moving, often spotted in sandy habitats or along roadsides. Juveniles have lighter-colored shells and are more vulnerable to predators and environmental stress.
Their burrows can extend over 40 feet long and 10 feet deep, providing shelter not only for the tortoise but also for over 350 other species — including snakes, frogs, and insects — making them an ecologically significant species.
Gopher tortoises are most active from March through October. They forage during the day, feeding primarily on grasses, legumes, and low-growing plants. Their burrowing activity increases during the warmer months and during the breeding season in spring and early summer.
Tortoises are long-lived and highly site-faithful, often using the same burrow system for decades.
While they rarely cause damage in the traditional sense, their presence can pose logistical challenges, especially on subdivided lots or agricultural land.
Gopher tortoises and their burrows are protected under Florida law and must not be harassed, moved, or disturbed without a state-issued permit. Penalties for unauthorized removal or harm can be severe, including substantial fines.
Any development near gopher tortoise habitat requires a wildlife survey and, in many cases, relocation permits through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
