Coastal construction approved to begin after May 1.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

Volusia County Government received new guidelines from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) on coastal construction activities after May 1. The notification applies to private property owners who have received Coastal Construction Control Line permits from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

According to a release, previously, private property owners who had not initiated construction by May 1 were not authorized to begin their coastal armament project until November 1, which marked the end of turtle nesting season in Volusia County. However, property owners who have obtained a DEP permit and have already begun or will begin construction before May 1 may continue as long as all permit conditions continue to be met.

Property owners with a DEP permit that cannot begin construction by May 1, 2023, must contact the FWC to verify if sea turtle nests are located on the proposed site before materials are delivered. Once FWC confirms that the proposed construction site is free of turtle nests, construction may begin.

During turtle nesting season, FWC staff will only inspect project sites that have received a DEP permit. Property owners can continue to apply for a permit through the DEP after May 1. Those granted coastal construction permits should be aware of and adhere to all the conditions outlined in the DEP and local permits.

"This should bring a significant sigh of relief for all coastal property owners still seeking to begin rebuilding from these storms’ devastating impacts. We want to express our sincerest gratitude to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Governor’s office for working with us to accommodate our residents’ needs while they are navigating through the permitting process, finding a contractor, and getting the materials and supplies needed to rebuild," County Manager George Recktenwald said.

For more information on beach recovery efforts, including the option to sign up for the biweekly recovery newsletter, visit www.volusia.org/beachrecovery.