The gopher tortoise is a land tortoise whose geographic range extends throughout the coastal plain of the southeastern United States. Gopher tortoises can be found throughout much of Florida including Sarasota County.

• Gopher tortoises prefer dry habitats, like pine flatwoods, scrub type habitats and coastal sand dunes. These areas provide sandy soils for digging their burrows, which can be identified by their typical half-moon shaped entrance (see belwo) and mound of sand in front.
• They also prefer open areas with plenty of sunlight for basking, incubating eggs and sustaining the type of low-growing plants that they eat.
• The tortoise’s burrow is a valuable wildlife resource since several species such as the indigo snake, gopher frog and the Florida mouse use the burrow for shelter; these species are also listed as Threatened or Species of Special Concern.

It is illegal to alter or destroy gopher tortoise burrows, keep tortoises as pets, or to harm, kill or relocate tortoises or their eggs without a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC).

Gopher tortoises are legally protected as a Threatened Species under the wildlife code of the State of Florida (Chapter 68A 27.005, Florida Administrative Code).

• The primary reason for the decline of this species is habitat destruction. Because gopher tortoises prefer drier habitat areas, there is an inherent conflict with humans and development, as humans also typically prefer drier areas for development to escape flooding potential.
• Avoid using heavy machinery or herbicides near a burrow.
• Do not handle or move tortoises unless you are preventing potential road mortality; simply move the tortoise across the road in the direction it was heading.
• Gopher tortoises live on the land; please do not place them in water.

To accurately determine if a gopher tortoise is located on your property, consult a local environmental consultant who can survey your property appropriately in accordance with State standards. For a list of local environmental consultants who conduct this type of work please see “Environmental Consultants List” link below. At the same time, keep a watchful eye out for the tortoise or one of their tell tale burrows.

Environmental Consultants List for Gopher Tortoises Relocation and Permitting

For questions regarding the development of a property in Sarasota County containing an active gopher tortoise burrow(s) call the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for Resource Protection.

• If a gopher tortoise burrow(s) is located on a property that will be impacted by proposed development, the county will require proof of coordination from FWC prior to issuing a Sarasota County building permit.
• Depending on site-specific details, FWC may require an onsite or offsite relocation permit for proposed impacts to a burrow(s). Refer to the FWC Gopher Tortoise Management Plan (large .pdf file from the FWC) for details regarding the required permits and relocation protocol.

For more information on general permitting requirements, visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Web site.

• Questions regarding the gopher tortoise permitting guidelines can be forwarded to Deborah Burr at Deborah.Burr@MyFWC.com. 
• Contact Joe Sage at 1-863-648-3200 for information on dealing with 10 or fewer burrows.
• Contact Heather Rigney at 1-941-721-2068 for information on dealing with 10 or more burrows.

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

• For more information on gopher tortoises visit the Gopher Tortoise Council or the Ashton Biodiversity Research and Preservation Institute, Inc.
• Contact Sarasota County's Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program at 941-861-5000 to learn how this program helps protect tortoise habitat.