Habitat Conservation Plan

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Species Protection

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service The City of Palm Bay has received United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) approval of the City’s Habitat Conservation Plan and the Incidental Take Permit (ITP) [PDF] both of which cover the Florida Scrub-Jay and the Eastern Indigo Snake. Gopher Tortoise Permits must be obtained from the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. See the links below to learn more about these protected species.

The ITP is a City-wide permit that allows lot owners within the Scrub-Jay areas to build on their property. However, the permit also requires the City to collect an environmental service fee with each building permit issued. More information is available by accessing the Code of Ordinances reference Chapter 172 - Environmental Regulations. The fee will be used by a conservation agency designated by the USFWS to assist in purchasing large tracts of habitat that will better preserve the covered species.

To further enhance protection of the Florida Scrub-Jay, lot owners in the Scrub-Jay polygons, accessed on the Scrub Jay Lots Page, may build on their property, but may not clear their property from March 1 through June 30 each year, except as follows:

Where biological surveys indicate there is no active Florida Scrub-Jay nest.
Where vegetative conditions pose a persistent fire hazard to adjacent developed properties.
Within 25 feet of an adjacent developed lot, where nuisance vegetation is encroaching on the adjacent property.

Gopher Tortoises and their Burrows

Because the Gopher Tortoise is a protected species, you will first have to obtain a Relocation Permit Form from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (FWC). You can find all the information you need on permitting, authorized agents, and re-locating the Gopher Tortoise on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation website.

Information regarding Gopher Tortoise permits

You can also reach out to the local FWC Officers if you have any questions on re-location by calling 321-383-5535.

Learn more about these protected species:

Gopher Tortoise Gopher hatchlings Gopher Crossing Sign

Indigo Snake

Scrub Jay Scrub Jay Habitat

To report a wildlife violation: Call 1 (888) 404-3922 or visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife website.

Please contact the Growth Management Department at (321) 733-3042 or email landdevelopmentweb@palmbayflorida.org if you have any additional questions about protected species in Palm Bay.

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