Habitat Management Assistance Funding

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) offers the Habitat Management Assistance Funding (HMAF) program to support local governments in their conservation efforts. Since its inception in 2009, the HMAF program has sought to improve the quality and sustainability of habitats critical to the gopher tortoise and other Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN). The program aligns with the Gopher Tortoise Management Plan, which prioritizes ensuring the long-term viability of protected lands to support stable and thriving gopher tortoise populations. By targeting protected areas under local jurisdiction, the program acknowledges the influential role of municipalities in environmental stewardship. HMAF is a reimbursement-based funding opportunity designed exclusively for local governments. Projects must involve the active management of gopher tortoise habitat or installation of silt fencing used in soft-release operations for gopher tortoises, particularly in relation to incidental take permits or waif tortoise recipient sites. To qualify, each project must address at least 25 acres of habitat and cannot include areas currently functioning as permitted recipient sites or those with pending applications (except for waif sites). Applications may request up to $15,000 per project. However, local governments may submit multiple applications for distinct project areas. Additionally, projects may still qualify if they include other funding sources, and some may be eligible for additional assistance to benefit SGCNs listed in Florida’s State Wildlife Action Plan. To be considered, applicants must submit a comprehensive project package, including an aerial map, soils map, and Cooperative Land Cover (CLC) map. A burrow survey, conforming to the April 2023 Gopher Tortoise Permitting Guidelines, is also mandatory. The survey must cover at least 15% of the potential habitat area and can be conducted by individuals who are not Authorized Gopher Tortoise Agents. Surveys must have been conducted within two years of the application date. Noncompliant surveys will render the application ineligible. The project’s intent should clearly demonstrate benefits to gopher tortoise populations through specific, measurable management actions such as prescribed burns, mechanical treatments, or groundcover plantings. The deadline for submitting HMAF applications for the 2025–2026 fiscal year is Friday, January 30, 2026. Proposals must be sent to Caitlin Jones at the FWC, either via email or postal mail to 1875 Orange Avenue East, Tallahassee, Florida 32311. Projects must not begin until the official award letter is received from FWC. All work must be completed, and the final report and invoice submitted, by Friday, August 21, 2026. Only after this reporting will reimbursement be issued. The program is not a one-time opportunity. Since it has been running for over a decade and follows a recurring annual cycle, future funding rounds are anticipated. For ongoing management and conservation goals, this allows local governments to build multi-year strategies with support from the FWC. Interested applicants are encouraged to reach out to the FWC’s Local Government Coordinator for clarifications on application requirements or survey protocols. Through this funding program, the FWC continues to enhance collaborative conservation efforts at the local level across Florida, protecting critical habitats for both the gopher tortoise and a wide array of cohabitating species.

Surveys must follow April 2023 Gopher Tortoise Permitting Guidelines; Contact FWC for methodology clarifications.