Gopher tortoises are a familiar presence across the southeastern United States, especially in Florida where sandy soils and sunny backyards often double as suitable habitat. But what happens when one decides to dig a burrow under your house, porch, or shed?
Whether you’re a homeowner discovering a tunnel near your foundation or a land manager overseeing development, encountering a gopher tortoise burrow under a structure brings up serious questions about legality, safety, and what you’re allowed to do next. These burrows are not only protected by Florida law—they also support hundreds of other wild species.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to do if you find a gopher tortoise under your house, why they choose these spots, how to handle the situation legally and responsibly, and why conservation efforts matter even in residential areas.
Why Gopher Tortoises Burrow Near or Under Structures
Gopher tortoises are well adapted to dry, upland environments with sandy soils—conditions that often occur in residential areas, especially in regions with poor vegetation cover or open yards. Their choice of burrow location is influenced by access to sun, forage, and protection from predators and extreme weather.
Human-Altered Habitats
Residential properties can unintentionally mimic natural gopher tortoise habitat. Open yards, areas with sparse grass, and compacted sandy soils under structures often offer the perfect combination of:
Sunlight exposure
Soil stability for digging
Reduced competition from dense vegetation
In fact, tortoises are more likely to occur near development sites where natural habitat has been fragmented but open space remains. It’s not uncommon for them to burrow beneath decks, patios, mobile homes, or concrete slabs—especially in suburban areas built near or on former sandhills, scrub, or pine flatwoods.
Range and Habitat Overlap
The native range of the gopher tortoise extends across the southeastern United States, from southern South Carolina through Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and all of Florida. Many homes in these regions are built directly within historic gopher tortoise habitat, creating ongoing interactions between human activity and wildlife.
As development expands, so do these overlaps, making gopher tortoise conservation increasingly important, particularly in the face of habitat loss and fragmentation.
How to Tell If a Gopher Tortoise Is Living Under Your Home
If you’ve spotted a hole near your foundation, porch, or shed, it’s natural to wonder what—or who—might be living there. Not all animal burrows are created by gopher tortoises, so knowing what to look for can help you make a confident and legally informed decision about next steps.
Look for the Characteristic Burrow Shape
A gopher tortoise burrow has a very distinct entrance:
Oval or “half-moon” shaped opening with a flat bottom and domed top
Typically as wide as the tortoise itself—often 8 to 12 inches across
Accompanied by a sand apron or mound pushed out from digging
These burrows often occur at the base of a home’s foundation, under steps, sheds, or along yard edges where the ground is exposed and stable.
Watch for Activity
Signs of an active gopher tortoise burrow may include:
Tracks leading in or out of the burrow
Claw marks or drag marks in the sand
Tortoise sightings nearby, especially during daylight hours
Droppings, shed shell flakes, or plant debris near the entrance
Gopher tortoises are diurnal (active during the day) and may emerge to bask in the sun or forage on nearby vegetation such as broadleaf grasses and native weeds.
Don't Confuse It With Other Animals
Several other animals, including armadillos and box turtles, may dig or use burrows near homes. However, these differ in structure and purpose:
Armadillo burrows tend to be larger and more circular
Box turtles don’t create extensive burrows; they may rest in shallow scrapes
Rodent holes are much smaller and often grouped in clusters
Because disturbing a protected species is illegal in Florida, it’s important to avoid making assumptions. When in doubt, contact an authorized gopher tortoise agent to assess the burrow before any landscaping, construction, or removal efforts are made.
What Not to Do
Discovering a gopher tortoise burrow under your house can be alarming, especially if you’re worried about structural damage, safety, or resale value. However, it’s critical to understand that there are strict legal protections in place for both the tortoise and its burrow, and taking the wrong steps could lead to fines, legal trouble, or harm to an endangered species.
Do Not Attempt to Fill in the Burrow
Filling in a gopher tortoise burrow—whether with dirt, concrete, or construction materials—is illegal in Florida if the burrow is occupied or deemed suitable habitat. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) enforces these protections, and violations can result in civil penalties or criminal charges.
Even if the burrow appears abandoned, only an authorized agent can make that determination through proper inspection and documentation.
Do Not Try to Relocate the Tortoise Yourself
Relocating a gopher tortoise without a relocation permit from FWC is also illegal. These animals are a threatened species, and the state regulates their movement to protect wild populations and reduce stress or mortality associated with unpermitted handling.
Only trained and authorized gopher tortoise agents can legally capture, transport, and release gopher tortoises at approved recipient sites.
Avoid Blocking or Obstructing the Burrow
Placing objects over the burrow, building a structure above it, or modifying the surrounding terrain without first consulting a professional may constitute disturbance under Florida law. Even seemingly minor changes like mowing, digging, or altering drainage patterns can negatively impact the tortoise or its burrow.
Taking well-intentioned but uninformed action can lead to unintended harm and legal consequences. The safest and most effective approach is to contact a qualified wildlife consultant who understands the permitting process and can guide you through next steps.
What You Can Do (Legal & Safe Options)
If you’ve confirmed or suspect that a gopher tortoise is burrowing under your home or another structure, you still have options—just make sure they follow state guidelines. Florida offers a clear, regulated process for addressing these situations, especially when development, repairs, or safety concerns are involved.
Step 1: Contact an Authorized Gopher Tortoise Agent
Your first step should be to reach out to a licensed wildlife consultant or authorized gopher tortoise agent. These professionals are certified to:
Conduct site surveys
Determine if a burrow is active or abandoned
Document findings according to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) standards
Apply for and carry out relocation if necessary
They’ll help assess the situation and guide you through what actions, if any, are legally permissible.
Step 2: Conduct a Gopher Tortoise Survey
A formal survey will determine the number of burrows, whether they are occupied, and how close they are to planned construction or inhabited areas. This is often required before development permits can be approved.
The survey also helps determine whether a relocation permit is needed and which type is appropriate, depending on project size, burrow proximity, and the presence of multiple tortoises.
Step 3: Relocate the Tortoise Legally (If Required)
If relocation is necessary—for example, if the burrow directly interferes with foundation work—you’ll need to work with your consultant to:
Submit a relocation application to FWC
Pay any applicable mitigation or processing fees
Relocate the tortoise to a permitted recipient site
The timeline for this process can vary but generally takes a few weeks from survey to relocation.
Step 4: Consider Long-Term Habitat Management
Once the immediate situation is resolved, take steps to prevent future burrowing under structures. This may include:
Installing tortoise exclusion barriers
Modifying landscaping to reduce attraction near buildings
Using site-appropriate habitat management strategies that balance conservation with practical use of your land
In some cases, technical and financial assistance may be available for larger habitat conservation efforts through state or federal programs.
By following the proper process, you not only stay in compliance, you also contribute to the broader goal of gopher tortoise conservation across the Southeast.
Do Gopher Tortoise Burrows Damage Foundations?
One of the most common concerns homeowners have upon discovering a gopher tortoise burrow near or under a structure is whether it could cause damage to the home’s foundation. The short answer: in most cases, the risk is low, but there are exceptions worth understanding.
How Burrows Are Constructed
Gopher tortoises dig single-entry burrows that can extend 10 to 40 feet in length and reach up to 10 feet deep. These burrows slope gently downward and follow a consistent tunnel path, but they are typically narrow and structurally stable.
Tortoises avoid areas where the soil is overly compacted or damp, and they rarely dig directly into or beneath poured concrete foundations. However, burrows may sometimes be located:
Beneath sheds or modular/mobile home skirting
Along footings or slab edges
In crawlspaces or under decks
In these cases, the tunnel may run close to the foundation, prompting concerns about erosion or subsidence.
Is Structural Damage Likely?
For standard residential foundations, the presence of a gopher tortoise burrow usually does not result in measurable structural damage. These animals do not excavate in a way that undermines large surfaces or causes collapses.
That said, potential issues could arise if:
Multiple burrows are clustered in a small area
Heavy equipment is operated over or near an occupied burrow
Water runoff or improper grading leads to soil erosion around the foundation
If a tortoise is burrowing under a structure that already has settling or drainage problems, it’s worth having the area evaluated by both a contractor and a wildlife consultant.
When to Take Action
You should consider relocation through proper channels if:
The burrow’s location presents a safety hazard
You’re planning major repairs, foundation work, or redevelopment
There’s concern about soil stability or drainage near a burrow
When managed legally and responsibly, most gopher tortoise burrows do not pose a direct threat to property structures. The key is identifying the situation early and involving professionals who can balance habitat protection with your property needs.
The Role of Burrows in Wildlife Conservation
Gopher tortoise burrows aren’t just shelters for a single species—they’re underground lifelines that support an entire community of wildlife. These burrows are used by over 350 other animal species, many of which are also rare or sensitive to habitat changes.
Common cohabitants include:
Eastern indigo snakes
Gopher frogs
Burrowing owls
Florida mice
Various insects, toads, and reptiles
This makes each gopher tortoise burrow a vital piece of the ecological puzzle, especially in fragmented landscapes affected by development, tree thinning, or urban expansion.
When you protect a gopher tortoise and its burrow, you’re also helping preserve biodiversity in your own backyard—and supporting broader conservation actions across the southeastern U.S.
Final Advice for Homeowners
Finding a gopher tortoise under your house might feel unexpected or even inconvenient, but it’s also an opportunity to make an informed, environmentally responsible choice.
Here’s what you should do:
Don’t disturb the tortoise or the burrow.
Avoid construction or digging near the site.
Contact a licensed authorized gopher tortoise agent for evaluation.
Follow the state-regulated process for permitting and, if necessary, relocation.
The earlier you involve a professional, the smoother the process will be—and the better the outcome for your property and the species.
Need help dealing with a gopher tortoise issue near your home or project site?
Contact Premier Gopher Tortoise Services today for expert support, guidance, and fast, field-ready solutions.
Homeowner FAQs
Can I sell my home with a gopher tortoise burrow under it?
Yes. You can legally sell a home or property with a burrow present. However, if the new owner plans to build or disturb the area, they’ll need to follow FWC permitting requirements. It’s strongly recommended to disclose any known burrows to buyers.
What if the burrow looks abandoned?
Only a certified agent can confirm whether a burrow is abandoned. Even old or inactive-looking burrows may still be protected. Never attempt to fill or remove them without a proper survey.
Can I build a deck or fence over a tortoise burrow?
Not without prior approval. Any activity that could disturb a gopher tortoise burrow requires a permit. This includes construction, grading, or installing permanent structures.
How close can I landscape near a burrow?
Avoid mowing, planting, or digging within a 25-foot radius of a known burrow until a survey confirms it’s safe. Landscaping changes can unintentionally harm tortoises or disrupt their shelter.
Who pays for the relocation—the homeowner or the buyer?
That depends on your real estate agreement. In most cases, the party responsible for initiating site disturbance (often the buyer) covers survey and relocation costs. However, sellers often benefit from handling these details in advance to avoid delays.