Wetlands - Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do I know if my property contains wetlands?
A. You may call or visit our office in DeLand if you would like a general idea of what types of soils and vegetation may be on your property. The GRM Interactive Map environmental data is for general information only and has not been field-verified. For a more accurate assessment, a site visit would be necessary and can be performed by Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) staff or a private environmental consultant. You can contact Florida Department of Environmental Protection at 407-897-4100, or obtain the Consultant List online.
Q. My lot contains wetlands. Can I build?
A. You may be able to build on your lot if it contains wetlands. However, you will need to try to avoid any impact to the wetlands as well as the buffer. If it is impossible to avoid the wetlands and/or buffer, then you must try to minimize the impacts. Any unavoidable impacts must be permitted and generally require mitigation to offset the impacts. Permits may be required by other agencies as well. Please visit our Wetlands site or contact Environmental Permitting at 386-736-5927 ext. 12093 for more information.
Q. How do I obtain a wetland alteration permit?
A. Please visit our Wetlands site. The requirements and application process vary depending on whether the proposed development is commercial or residential
Q. What are wetlands?
A. Wetlands are technically defined as areas that are inundated or saturated by surface water or groundwater at a frequency and a duration sufficient to support, and under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soils. Soils present in wetlands generally are classified as hydric or alluvial or possess characteristics that are associated with reducing soil conditions. The prevalent vegetation in wetlands generally consists of facultative or obligate hydrophytic macrophytes that are typically adapted to areas having soil conditions described above. These species, due to morphological, physiological, or reproductive adaptations have the ability to grow, reproduce, or persist in aquatic environments or anaerobic soil conditions. Florida wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bayheads, bogs, cypress domes and strands, sloughs, wet prairies, riverine swamps and marshes, hydric seepage slopes, tidal marshes, mangrove swamps and other similar areas.
Q. What is a buffer?
A. Buffers are upland areas adjacent to wetlands which are necessary to protect the wetlands and wetland species from the detrimental impacts of development or alteration. The buffer shall include canopy, understory, and groundcover and consists of preserved existing vegetation and/or planted native species. Buffers may be 25 or 50 feet, depending on the location of the property. Please contact Environmental Permitting at 386-736-5927 ext. 12093 to determine the size of the buffer for a specific property.
Q. How are wetlands identified?
A. Wetlands are identified by examining the vegetation, soils, and hydrologic indicators on site. Wetland
boundaries are established or “delineated” by using a standardized method more formally known as Chapter 62-340 F.A.C. To find the full text of the legal rule, click here.
Q. Can I impact the wetlands on my property if I buy wetlands somewhere else?
A. Not necessarily. To obtain a wetland alteration permit (WAP) from Volusia County, you must first demonstrate the impacts are unavoidable and have been minimized to the greatest extent possible. Only then can staff assess what mitigation may be appropriate. Options could include purchasing or preserving wetlands. However, the County does not typically accept preservation alone because it generally results in a net loss of wetland acreage.
Q. Do I need a permit to trim mangroves?
A. Mangrove trimming may require a permit. Please contact the Florida Department of Environmental Protection at 407-897-4100 to determine permitting requirements.
Q. Is the ocean a wetland?
A. No, the ocean does not support the vegetation or soils necessary to meet the state definition for wetlands.
Q. Are lakes, ponds, creeks, and ditches wetlands?
A. In most cases yes, if they are inundated and support the appropriate type of vegetation and/or contain the soil characteristics to meet the state definition.
Q. Since I have pine trees on my property, does that mean I do not have wetlands?
A. Pine trees can be found in wetlands, as some species tend to be found in wetter areas than others. To determine if an area contains wetlands, a qualified professional will have to inspect the property and assess what other types of vegetation, soils, and hydrologic indicators are on site.
