Why do beaches in Florida need a Habitat Conservation Plan?
Florida’s beaches are home to a wide array of wildlife, including many species that are protected by the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Our beaches are also home to a large and growing population of tourists and year-round residents, who impact the beach in various ways. As human populations increase in coastal areas and additional pressures are placed on listed species habitat, the potential for take will increase. Because impacts may be caused to federally listed species as a result of the activities regulated by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL) Program, FDEP has decided to pursue a federal Incidental Take Permit (ITP), which requires the development of a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP).
