Our Blog

SB 118: Florida’s Rural Boundary Bill Could Accelerate Development and Threaten Conservation Goals

Mar15

Understanding SB 1118: What Florida’s Rural Boundary Bill Means for Conservation and Mitigation Banking As a wetland mitigation banking specialist, I work closely with landowners, developers, and regulatory agencies to help strike a balance between growth and environmental preservation. That’s why I’ve been closely monitoring Senate Bill 1118 (SB 1118)—Florida’s proposed Rural Boundary Bill, which could have significant implications for mitigation banking, conservation efforts, and infrastructure planning across the state. This legislation, introduced in early 2025, seeks to ease development

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Common Misconceptions About Building on a Wetland

Mar13

Clearing the Confusion: Common Misconceptions About Building on a Wetland As the CEO of The Mitigation Banking Group, Inc., I frequently speak with landowners, developers, and consultants who have questions about building on a wetland. With over 25 Mitigation Banks and Conservation Banks across the state of Florida, we work closely with regulatory agencies and clients to ensure projects are both environmentally responsible and fully compliant. Let’s clear up a few common misconceptions about building on a wetland and provide the facts

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Speaking at UF’s 2025 Public Interest Environmental Conference

Mar12

Navigating Wetland Permitting: My Reflections from the 2025 Public Interest Environmental Conference I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to speak at the 2025 Public Interest Environmental Conference hosted by the University of Florida Levin College of Law. As a panelist following the keynote speaker, I joined two highly respected environmental attorneys to discuss pressing topics affecting our industry—including the evolving definition of Waters of the United States (WOTUS) and the impacts of Section 404 Assumption. As someone who started in

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Water Quality Enhancement Areas (WQEAs): A New Tool for Florida’s Water Quality Goals

Mar12

Water Quality Enhancement Areas (WQEAs): Supporting Florida’s Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPs) As Florida continues to prioritize environmental preservation and water quality, innovative regulatory tools like Water Quality Enhancement Areas (WQEAs) are becoming a vital part of statewide restoration efforts. Implemented in 2022 by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), WQEAs provide a new mechanism for regional water quality treatment that addresses nutrient pollution and helps achieve compliance within Basin Management Action Plans (BMAPs). We’re closely following the development and expansion

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Is Your Property Suitable for a Wetland Mitigation Bank?

Feb27

Evaluating Your Property for a Wetland Mitigation Bank If you’re a landowner wondering whether your property could qualify as a wetland mitigation bank, there are several important factors to consider. A qualified mitigation banking specialist will evaluate your land using historical and current aerial imagery to determine its restoration potential. While every site is unique, the most critical factors include: Size – Is the property large enough to support meaningful ecological restoration? Location – Does it fall within a watershed where mitigation credits

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Stormwater Protection in Winter Springs

Feb24

Stormwater Protection in Winter Springs At The Mitigation Banking Group, we’ve always been committed to protecting Florida’s natural resources. Now, I’m bringing that same passion and expertise to stormwater protection efforts in Winter Springs. As a city commissioner and a long-time advocate for water conservation, I’m proud to lead initiatives that keep our waterways clean, reduce pollution, and educate the community on stormwater management. Why Stormwater Protection Matters Stormwater runoff is one of the biggest threats to our lakes, rivers, and wetlands. Every

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Florida Senate Introduces SB 492 to Address Mitigation Banking Credit Shortages

Feb20

Florida Senate Introduces SB 492 to Address Mitigation Banking Credit Shortages On February 5, 2025, the Florida Senate filed SB 492, a bill aimed at addressing mitigation banking credit shortages in key watersheds across the state. As demand for mitigation credits continues to rise, this bill seeks to refine regulatory processes to ensure more efficient credit availability while maintaining environmental integrity. What Does SB 492 Propose? SB 492 introduces key adjustments to state mitigation bank permitting practices, including: Credit Release Schedule Modifications –

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2025 Public Interest Environmental Conference: A Gathering for Conservation & Legal Progress

Feb13

2025 Public Interest Environmental Conference: Conservation – Preserve Today, Protect Tomorrow   Since its inception in 1995, the Public Interest Environmental Conference (PIEC) at the University of Florida Levin College of Law has been a vital platform for legal professionals, policymakers, and environmental advocates to discuss pressing environmental issues. This year’s 31st annual conference, themed “Conservation – Preserve Today, Protect Tomorrow”, will bring together industry leaders to explore strategies for protecting Florida’s natural resources and advancing environmental law. I’m honored

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Florida Scrub Jay Protection: Pending Lawsuit Could Impact Conservation Nationwide

Feb12

Protecting the Florida Scrub Jay: Pending Lawsuit Raises Conservation Concerns The Florida scrub-jay is a unique, federally threatened bird species found only in the sandy, scrubby habitats of Florida. Known for its striking blue feathers and social nature, the scrub-jay relies on fire-dependent ecosystems to thrive. However, habitat loss due to development has drastically reduced its population, making conservation efforts crucial to its survival. Now, a legal battle is unfolding that could not only affect the Florida scrub-jay but also redefine

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New Executive Order to Speed Up Environmental Permitting

Feb12

Executive Order to Speed Up Environmental Permitting: What It Means for Mitigation Banking On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14154, titled Unleashing American Energy, which extends beyond energy projects to significantly reshape how federal agencies approve projects impacting the environment. This Executive Order directs agencies to roll back National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations and streamline permitting processes, aiming to reduce delays and expedite approvals. With environmental regulations directly influencing wetland mitigation banking, it’s crucial to understand how

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