What is the 
IRC Exemption?

Currently, Indian River County exempts parcels under 1 acre from land-clearing and tree-removal permitting requirements. While this was originally intended to reduce burdens on small landowners, it creates a dangerous loophole that allows for the destruction of sensitive habitats without oversight. 

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One of the most vulnerable species impacted by this policy is the gopher tortoise, a state-protected, keystone species whose burrows provide shelter for over 350 other animals, some of which are currently endangered, and others whose existence depends upon these burrows. 

Importantly, this exemption is not in accordance with Florida state law, which prohibits the disturbance or destruction of gopher tortoises and their burrows without a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). By allowing land to be cleared without environmental review, the current policy puts landowners at risk of unintentionally violating state regulations.