Gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) are one of Florida’s most iconic and misunderstood wildlife species. Found across the southeastern United States, these gentle reptiles play an outsized role in maintaining healthy ecosystems, especially in longleaf pine forests, pine flatwoods, and other upland habitats with well-drained, sandy soils.
But habitat loss, land development, and road mortality have taken a toll, contributing to population declines in gopher tortoises. Today, gopher tortoises are listed as a threatened species in Florida and are protected under state law. If you own or manage property in the region, especially in areas like southern Georgia, the Florida Panhandle, or coastal plain zones, knowing what to do when a gopher tortoise or burrow is found on your land isn’t just good stewardship. It’s legally required.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know: how to identify gopher tortoises and their burrows, what legal protections apply, how the relocation process works, and why these animals are so critical to Florida’s wildlife network.
What Is a Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus Polyphemus) — And Why Are They So Important?
The gopher tortoise is a land-dwelling reptile native to the southeastern coastal plain, with populations concentrated in Florida, southern South Carolina, Georgia, and parts of Alabama and Mississippi. It’s the only tortoise species east of the Mississippi River and one of the few that dig their deep burrows — often more than 30 feet long and 10 feet deep.
These burrows are more than just shelters. They provide refuge for over 350 other species, including gopher frogs, indigo snakes, burrowing owls, countless insects, and other animals, making the gopher tortoise a true keystone species. Without them, entire ecological communities begin to unravel.
Key Characteristics
Scientific name: Gopherus polyphemus
Adult size: 9–15 inches in shell length
Lifespan: Often 40–60 years in the wild
Distinguishing features: Domed, grayish-brown shell; sturdy front legs with digging “shovel-like” scales; elephantine hind feet
Habitat: Dry, sandy areas such as longleaf pine sandhills, xeric oak hammocks, coastal dunes, and pine plantations
Gopher tortoises are herbivores and opportunistic grazers. They feed on low-growing plants like broadleaf grasses, wildflowers, and legumes. Their diet and behavior revolve around local resource abundance and seasonal changes, with most of their activity occurring during warm daylight hours.
As development continues to fragment native habitats, the presence of a gopher tortoise on a property is not just a sign of biological richness — it’s a legal and ethical flag that calls for responsible action.
Want a deeper look at gopher tortoises’ life history, habitat, and conservation status? Explore key facts and why protecting this species matters. → Read: What Is a Gopher Tortoise? Facts, Habitat, and Conservation Explained
How to Identify a Gopher Tortoise
Correct identification is essential if you believe a gopher tortoise is present on your land. Their distinct features make them relatively easy to spot with the correct information.
Key Features to Look For
Domed, grayish-brown shell (carapace), often 9–15 inches in length
Flattened, shovel-like front legs used for digging
Round, column-like hind legs (elephantine in appearance)
Short tail and wrinkled, scaly skin
Juveniles vs. Adults
Juvenile tortoises are smaller, with lighter-colored shells and more visible growth rings. Their shells are softer, and they tend to stay close to their natal burrows. Because they are more vulnerable to predators, they’re less likely to be seen in the open.
Male vs. Female
Males have a concave plastron (bottom shell) and longer tails
Females have a flat plastron and broader bodies
These traits may be difficult to distinguish without handling, which should only be done by a permitted professional.
When and Where to Spot Them
Gopher tortoises are most active during warm, sunny parts of the day. They are typically seen grazing near the entrance of their burrows in open areas such as fields, scrub, or sandy road edges.
Gopher Tortoise Burrows and Behavior
One of the most critical indicators of gopher tortoise presence is the burrow, and understanding their behavior gives insight into why these structures matter so much.
Burrow Characteristics
Burrows can exceed 30 feet in length and reach depths of over 10 feet
Entrance is shaped like a flat oval or half-moon, often surrounded by loose sand (the apron)
A single tortoise may dig multiple extensive underground burrows but usually favors one primary shelter
Burrows are dug into well-drained sandy soils, often under grasses or open canopy areas like longleaf pine habitats.
Importance to the Ecosystem
Gopher tortoise burrows provide shelter to more than 350 other species, including:
Gopher frogs
Indigo snakes
Florida mice
Burrowing owls
Numerous invertebrates
Because of this, gopher tortoises are considered a keystone species — their presence supports entire ecological communities.
Behavior Overview
Diurnal: active during the day, especially in warm weather
Solitary but with overlapping ranges
Opportunistic grazers, feeding on what’s locally abundant
Use burrows for thermoregulation, nesting, and protection
During breeding season, males may roam searching for mates but usually return to their home burrows afterward. Most tortoise activity remains concentrated within a small territory around their primary burrow.
Is a burrow on your property active or abandoned? Learn the signs to look for — and why it matters before any landwork begins. → Read: How to Tell If a Gopher Tortoise Hole Is Active
Conservation Status and Population Trends
Gopher tortoises have experienced a significant decline across their range due to widespread habitat loss and fragmentation. In Florida, they are listed as a state-designated threatened species and are protected under the authority of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Across other parts of the Southeast, they are considered for listing under the federal Endangered Species Act, particularly the eastern distinct population segment.
Why Are Gopher Tortoises in Decline?
Multiple factors contribute to the decline of gopher tortoise populations:
Habitat destruction from urban development, agriculture, and road construction
Habitat degradation caused by fire suppression, invasive plants, and land mismanagement
Mortality from vehicle strikes during seasonal movement or dispersal
Illegal relocation or harassment by uninformed landowners
As natural longleaf pine ecosystems have been replaced by development or dense pine plantations, tortoises have lost access to the open, sunny areas and well-drained sandy soils required for nesting and burrowing.
Where Do Gopher Tortoises Still Occur?
Although gopher tortoises are now absent from many historical locations, substantial populations remain in parts of:
Central and northern Florida
Southern Georgia
The Florida Panhandle
Isolated pockets in southern South Carolina, Alabama, and Mississippi
Even in these areas, populations are often fragmented and vulnerable to further decline without active conservation management.
Learn more about the specific habitats gopher tortoises rely on — and how land use decisions can impact their survival. → Read: Florida Gopher Tortoise Habitat: Essential Information for Landowners
Legal Protections and Florida Gopher Tortoise Laws
Because of their declining numbers and ecological importance, gopher tortoises and their burrows are strictly protected in Florida. Understanding the legal framework is essential for developers, property owners, and contractors working in a tortoise habitat.
State Protection Under the FWC
In Florida, it is illegal to:
Harass, handle, or relocate a gopher tortoise without a permit
Damage or collapse of an active tortoise burrow
Conduct ground-disturbing activities in areas where burrows are present without prior FWC approval
Violating these rules can result in significant penalties, including:
Fines of $500 up to $5000 per incident
Potential misdemeanor charges
Construction delays due to non-compliance
Before beginning any land-clearing or development activities, an authorized agent must conduct a gopher tortoise survey to identify the presence of active burrows.
Federal Considerations
While Florida manages tortoise protections at the state level, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) evaluates whether the gopher tortoise should be granted full protection under the federal Endangered Species Act across its eastern range. This includes consideration of populations in South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama.
If federal listing moves forward, permitting and compliance requirements may expand, making it even more critical for landowners and developers to stay ahead of changing regulations.
Curious about fines, permits, or your responsibilities as a landowner? Get a deeper look at Florida’s gopher tortoise laws and what you need to stay compliant. → Read: Florida Gopher Tortoise Laws: What Property Owners Need to Know
What to Do If You Find a Gopher Tortoise
If you discover a gopher tortoise or its burrow on your property, it’s essential to know that your next steps matter legally and ethically. Gopher tortoises are protected wildlife; even well-meaning actions can lead to serious violations if not appropriately handled.
What You Should Not Do
Do not touch, feed, or attempt to move the tortoise
Do not fill in or disturb any burrow
Do not assume a burrow is abandoned without professional verification
Even seemingly inactive burrows can still be used, especially during cooler months or dry periods. Disturbing an active burrow can lead to fines and delays in construction or land use.
What You Should Do
Record the location of the tortoise or burrow
Avoid using heavy equipment or digging near the site
Contact a licensed, FWC-authorized gopher tortoise agent to perform a site survey
A trained professional can determine if the burrow is active, what legal requirements apply, and whether a relocation permit is needed before development moves forward.
Early action is key to identifying tortoise presence during the planning stages, which can prevent costly project interruptions down the line. Tortoises spend much of their time in their burrows.
Not sure what’s legal when it comes to handling gopher tortoises? Learn what Florida law says about picking them up — and what to do instead. → Read: Is It Illegal to Pick Up a Gopher Tortoise?
The Gopher Tortoise Relocation Process
In Florida, gopher tortoises must be safely relocated if they are found within a planned development area. The process is highly regulated to ensure tortoise welfare and habitat protection.
When Is Relocation Required?
Relocation is mandatory if:
Active burrows are found within a proposed development footprint
A land-clearing activity could collapse or otherwise disturb a burrow
Your property lies within a known gopher tortoise habitat, and no prior survey has been conducted
Relocation is not a DIY job. It must be carried out by a certified agent with a valid relocation permit issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Step-by-Step: How Relocation Works
Tortoise Survey
A professional survey is conducted to identify the number and location of active burrows.
Permitting Process
If relocation is necessary, your agent will submit a permit application to FWC detailing the site, tortoise count, and proposed relocation destination.
Capture and Transport
After permits are approved, tortoises are safely excavated or trapped and transported to an FWC-approved recipient site.
Monitoring and Compliance
Agents report back to FWC with relocation documentation, ensuring full compliance with wildlife laws.
Cost Considerations
The cost of relocation depends on factors like:
Number of active burrows
Size and accessibility of the site
Distance to the recipient site
Survey and permitting fees
Getting a survey early in your planning process is the best way to determine costs and timelines. Working with a reputable agent ensures accurate assessments and avoids surprises during development.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gopher Tortoises
Whether you’re a first-time landowner, a contractor, or simply curious about these unique reptiles, here are answers to some of the most common questions about gopher tortoises.
Do gopher tortoises bite?
Gopher tortoises are not aggressive and very rarely bite. They are shy, non-confrontational animals and will typically retreat into their burrow or shell when approached.
How big do gopher tortoises get?
Adult tortoises usually measure between 9 and 15 inches in shell length and can weigh 8 to 15 pounds. Males are generally slightly smaller than females but have longer tails.
How long do gopher tortoises live?
Gopher tortoises are long-lived reptiles. In the wild, they often live 40 to 60 years; some individuals may reach 80 years or more in ideal conditions.
What do gopher tortoises eat?
They are herbivores and opportunistic grazers, feeding primarily on low-growing plants like grasses, legumes, wildflowers, and some fruits. Their diet varies based on seasonal availability and local habitat.
When is breeding season?
Breeding typically occurs in late spring and early summer. Females lay one clutch of eggs annually, averaging 5 to 9 eggs. Nests are usually located in sunny, sandy areas near the burrow entrance.
Can I keep one as a pet?
No. It is illegal to possess a gopher tortoise without proper state-issued authorization. Keeping one as a pet is considered wildlife harassment and can result in fines or legal action.
What should I do if I see a dead gopher tortoise?
Do not handle or remove the animal. Contact your regional FWC office or a licensed wildlife professional to report the incident, especially near a roadway or development site.
A Reminder for Landowners, Developers & Commercial Industries
Gopher tortoises are more than just a protected species. They’re a vital part of Florida’s natural heritage and ecological stability, classified as threatened wildlife. Whether planning a new development, managing land, or simply wanting to do the right thing, it’s essential to understand your responsibilities under Florida law.
If gopher tortoises or their burrows are present on your property, do not attempt to handle or relocate them yourself. Doing so without proper authorization can result in severe fines and project delays.
Always contact a licensed and FWC-authorized gopher tortoise agent to evaluate your site, conduct required surveys, and assist with permitting and relocation. Working with a qualified professional ensures your project stays compliant and conservation-minded.
Have Questions or Need a Site Assessment?
👉Reach out to Premier Gopher Tortoise Services — your trusted partner in gopher tortoise permitting, surveys, and relocation across Florida and the Southeast.