If you are interested in buying vacant land in Florida, the wetland may become a real problem you may overcome.
I have spoken with countless buyers, and everyone said they would not buy any land with even a square foot of wetland.
Can you build up wetlands in Florida?
Yes, you can build wetlands in the state, and you should not be scared of wetlands on vacant land in Florida.
Just before you make up your mind to give up on that good deal, l would like to remind you that most of the homeowners you see in Florida today managed the wetlands to be able to build those beautiful houses you are seeing.
Meanwhile, I do not support bulldozing natural drain fields to build a parking lot for your RV.
Can you build up wetlands in Florida?
Yes, You can develop wetlands in Florida because they are environmentally protected land.
Without the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FL DEP) authorization, you cannot do construction work.
Even a city or municipal government requires a permit before it carries out any construction work on wetlands.
I am about to teach you the evaluation process of wetlands.
If your architect and contractors should work in agreement with nature, you will build your nice home and legally live in the natural habitat of Florida.
Step 1:
Make inquiries about the soil texture, floodplains, wetlands, and land vegetation.
If you have found that choice location, inquire about its soil texture, floodplains, wetlands, and vegetation.
These are the factors your future design decisions will depend on.
Many Florida municipalities make information about wetlands and floodplain public, but your survey will tell you the exact zones.
I will tell you what you should do to make perfect decisions before you build or buy land within the wetlands of Florida.
1. Research the zoning or land use
Be it called wasteland, wetland, low-lying, or flood zone, you have to carry out more research on these indicators.
Do not be confused by the numbers, there may be a full acre of a high and dry piece of land in a two-acre piece of land, but it is insignificant if that part is the sum of small patches existing at different locations on the land.
2. Check the wetland maps
You can go for the inventory maps, like the ones the US Fish and Wildlife Service has.
They will create and display the wetland and flood zone in an area.
The map is made from aerial views of the water and vegetation of Florida, where they flourish in wet soils.
3. Pick a surveyor to draw official boundaries
It will take you about $300 per acre to survey a wetland.
The seller may require you to make a refundable deposit before he allows you to start doing all the tests you want to do on the land.
You, the buyer, should make it clear to the seller before you deposit that he will refund your money if the land fails your tests.
Step 2:
You have to be educated on the basic regulations of wetlands.
The regulation can come from the federal, state, or local government.
Can wetlands be developed in Florida?
Yes, wetlands can be developed, but some federal regulations can be applied to farmed wetlands, subject to the farming history.
If you want to build on wetlands, you have to get a permit from the Ranger Drainage district.
Most times, this approval serves as federal approval also, but sometimes there are exceptions.
Research land use for farmland
You have to visit the website of the National Resource Conservation Service of Florida to know if the seller used the wetlands land as farmland.
Some federal laws apply to farmed wetlands, depending on their farming history.
Get permits to build
Approach the Ranger Drainage district for your building permit.
Most times, the approval you will be given can also serve as federal approval, but there are some exceptions.
You can depend on your contractor for guidance.
Learn the ordinances for your municipality
Find out if the law permits the things you want to do on the land.
You have to inquire from the government authorities or find out from the rules and regulations of the homeowner’s association.
Step 3
If the need is, get your project location or design modified.
Make use of a comprehensive checklist of laws that affect your property.
Do not forget that you may require approval from two or more regulatory authorities.
Get your contractor involved to help you get this done.
Look for alternative designs that avoid wetlands.
Building around a wetland is the only way to improve it.
Think of getting to your house through another access road or facing the house in another direction.
Considering these will drastically reduce the adverse effect on the environment and your budget.
Consider alternative uses.
If you cannot succeed, you can give up the idea of building the house.
If you cannot change the design because of some regulations, think of another thing you will use the land for.
Step 4:
You can build close to the wetlands of Florida, but it is for strong-hearted investors.
Shop for the best contractor or architect, stick to the rules, and top on the list, do not cheat.
The reason for those regulations is to preserve the natural ability of Florida to battle flooding, clean its water supply, and maintain a balanced ecosystem for humans, plants, and animals.
It is unlawful and very expensive to avoid permit requirements.
If the permit fees are high for you, check the fine.
FAQs
Can I fill in wetlands on my property in Florida?
No, Dredging or filling wetlands or other surface waters in Florida without a permit are unlawful.
You may be required by DEP to completely restore the unpermitted activity.
You may also be fined as much as $10,000 for each day you defaulted.
How much does a wetland delineation cost Florida?
It cost between $800 and $1200 to complete a Wetland Delineation on less than 5 acres, depending on the wetland line and the travel distance.
With an extra $200 we will add a Mitigation Assessment (UMAM Analysis) to the Wetland Delineations.
Can you farm wetlands in Florida?
Yes, you can farm wetlands but you must obtain approval under Section 404 if you want to do anything to change what a wetland was previously used for.
For instance, if you want to start farming on a wetland that has not been farmland, you must get this approval.
