The Protected Species Section is principally responsible for review and issuance of scientific collection, migratory bird nest removal and relocation permits which involve Florida's protected land wildlife. Issuance of these permits is intended to guide, authorize and facilitate land management, scientific and educational activities under conditions that also provide necessary safeguards and conservation benefits to protected species which otherwise could be negatively affected by those activities.

Some permits may be issued conditioned upon implementation of an approved management plan which demonstrates that the permitted activities would result in a conservation benefit for the species. Scientific permits would be conditioned upon an approved research proposal. Other permits may require adherence to species management guidelines.

Management guidelines are in place for Florida burrowing owls (Speotyto cunicularia floridana) in urban areas, ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) nesting on man-made structures and gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) on lands slated for development. The permit review process usually involves coordination between Commission offices, consultants, other state agencies, federal agencies and regional and local regulatory authorities.

Permit applications should be submitted a minimum of 30 days prior to the requested effective date.

If you do not see the permit you need here, try the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's online permit and license applications site.