America adopted the bald eagle as the nation’s symbol in 1782. Bald eagles are large, powerful birds whose geographic range extends throughout the United States and Canada including Florida. There are approximately 1,133 bald eagles in the State of Florida and more than 40 reported active eagles’ nests in Sarasota County.

• Bald eagles typically live near water bodies where they prey on fish, the main staple of their diet.

  • They also feed on small mammals, reptiles and carrion. 

• Eagles are migratory and wintering eagles tend to head south in October and November when prey becomes limited.

• These territorial birds mate for life. 

  • They build their nests in the tops of mature trees, snags (dead trees), cliffs and even communication towers or poles.  

  • Nesting season in the southeast generally extends from October 1 to May 15.

Since Aug. 8, 2007 the bald eagle is no longer on the Federal list of Threatened and Endangered Species.

• However, the bald eagle is still protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (Eagle Act) and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), and state statute. 

Eagle nests and development in Sarasota County

• If an eagle’s nest is located on or near a property that is slated for development, the county will require proof of coordination from the appropriate wildlife agency prior to issuing a Sarasota County building permit.

• Please see the "Quick reference information for Florida bald eagle regulations, permitting and contacts" document for wildlife agency information.

For questions about the development of a property in Sarasota County located near eagle nests, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Resource Protection.

Report sick or injured eagles or the malicious destruction or harassment of eagles and their nests to the FWC Bureau of Law Enforcement at 1-888-404-3922.

For more information on bald eagles read the USFWS document entitled Bald Eagle Natural History and Sensitivity to Human Activity Information or visit:

	FWC
	USFWS Species
	USFWS Migratory Bird
	Audubon Society

Contact Sarasota County's Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program at 941-861-5000 to learn how the county program helps protect eagle habitat.