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 this field over 20 years ago as an intern, it was truly special to be back on a college campus sharing insight on real-world challenges facing wetland mitigation banking today.
Our panel tackled the growing ambiguity around wetland permitting, especially the back-and-forth we’ve seen in Florida due to federal and state regulatory changes. One key point I shared was the confusion landowners and consultants face when trying to determine if a federal permit is even needed. The complexity around significant nexus, proximity factors, and differing definitions of jurisdictional wetlands has made the process more time-consuming and costly for all parties involved.
Another topic I touched on was how WOTUS interpretations continue to influence what is or isn’t regulated. From perennial wetlands to intermittent streams and even ephemeral wetlands, every change in rule or assumption affects mitigation banking operations and project planning across the state.
You can watch my recap video below for a behind-the-scenes look at my session and key takeaways from the discussion:
In summary, while permitting remains a complex process, open dialogue between industry experts, legal professionals, and regulators is essential to driving clarity and consistency. I’m proud to represent mitigation banks throughout Florida and contribute to these vital conversations that shape the future of environmental restoration and development.
If you have any questions about the wetland permitting process, or want to explore whether mitigation credits could support your project, I’m always happy to help.
You can reach me at victoria@mitigationbankinginc.com, or try out the new chat feature in the bottom right corner of your screen for quick questions.
Let’s keep moving the conversation—and our environmental progress—forward!
