Living Shoreline

The 1995 Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act changed Florida’s mangrove protection statutes. The act repealed existing statutes that regulated the trimming of mangroves and replaced them with several new statutes that reduce the amount of permitting and paperwork required for that activity. Distinguishing between “trimming” and “altering” mangroves, the act allows trimming activity with or without a permit, depending on the location of the mangrove. On the other hand, altering a mangrove (removing or cutting the plant so much that it dies or is defoliated) is a prohibited activity, unless a permit was issued. The act does not require a permit for trimming on private lands. Similarly, certain public lands not set aside for preservation or conservation purposes do not need a trimming permit. Riparian property owners may trim mangroves on public lands fronting their property to a depth of 75 feet, measured waterward from the trunk of the most landward mangrove tree and in a direction perpendicular to the shoreline. Click here.

Commissioner McVoy as well as Lantana mayor, Dave Stewart, told our commission to be careful about cutting down mangroves.

Dave Stewart grew his beard back!