Navigating land development in Florida means working around some of the most heavily regulated wetlands in the country. Cypress Environment & Infrastructure provides wetland delineation in Florida that meets both U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) requirements—supporting Section 404 permitting, ERP reviews, and development planning statewide.

Our team delivers precise, field-verified delineations based on Florida’s Unified Wetland Delineation Methodology and the USACE Southeast Regional Supplement. Whether your site is in a flood-prone coastal zone, a central Florida wet prairie, or a forested wetland near development, Cypress gives you the data and documentation needed to stay compliant and move forward.

Our Wetland Delineation Services

At Cypress, our wetland delineation service in Florida is built to support every stage of your project—whether you’re seeking an Environmental Resource Permit (ERP), a Section 404/401 permit, or just need clarity on what’s buildable.

We offer:

FDEP-compliant delineations using Florida’s Unified Wetland Delineation Methodology, required for ERP applications
USACE-compliant delineations using the Southeast Regional Supplement, for federally regulated wetlands not covered by state assumption
Jurisdictional analysis to determine which agency (or agencies) regulate wetlands on your site
GIS mapping and GPS-flagged boundaries for project planning and design coordination
Technical reports that meet submission requirements for FDEP, USACE Jacksonville District, and all five Water Management Districts

Why You Need Wetland Delineation in Florida?

Wetlands cover millions of acres in Florida—and they’re regulated at both the state and federal level. Whether you’re building near a cypress dome, pine flatwoods, or mangrove shoreline, a proper wetland delineation is often required before you can break ground.

Here’s why it matters in Florida:

Dual Regulatory Oversight – Florida is one of the few states with both state-administered Section 404 permitting (via FDEP) and independent USACE review for certain wetlands. A delineation ensures you’re complying with both where applicable.
Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) Requirements – If your project requires an ERP, a delineation using Florida’s Unified Method is mandatory. This applies to residential, commercial, and linear developments in most parts of the state.
WMD Coordination – Florida’s five Water Management Districts (e.g., SFWMD, SJRWMD) each enforce wetland rules in their region. A delineation ensures your project won’t stall during their review.
Sensitive and Hidden Wetlands – Many of Florida’s wetlands—like wet prairies, hydric pine flats, or seasonal wetlands—are difficult to identify without expert analysis but are still protected under state and federal law.
Avoiding Enforcement or Redesign – Projects that disturb jurisdictional wetlands without authorization can face steep fines, restoration orders, or complete design overhauls. A clear, defensible delineation prevents these issues.

Our Wetland Delineation Process in Florida

Site Screening & Desktop Review – We assess available data (NWI, LiDAR, aerials, soils, FEMA, WMD mapping) to identify likely wetland areas and agency jurisdiction.
Field Work – Our team conducts on-site evaluations of hydrology, vegetation, and soils using the appropriate methodology—either FDEP’s Unified Method or the USACE manual. Sample points and transects define wetland boundaries clearly.
Boundary Flagging & GPS Collection – We physically flag wetlands in the field and collect GPS data to create accurate, geo-referenced site maps for your team.
Documentation & Reporting – You receive a detailed wetland delineation report with maps, photos, data sheets, and conclusions—formatted for direct submission to FDEP, WMD, or USACE.
Agency Support – If needed, we coordinate with USACE, FDEP, or your local Water Management District to verify boundaries or support Jurisdictional Determination (JD) requests.

Why Choose Us for Wetland Delineation in Florida?

Florida has some of the most complex wetland regulations in the country—and Cypress has the experience to help you meet them with confidence. From coastal mangroves to central Florida pine flatwoods, we understand the terrain, the permitting pathways, and the agencies that oversee them.

Here’s why developers, engineers, and agencies across Florida trust Cypress:

State and Federal Expertise – We work under both Florida’s Unified Wetland Delineation Methodology and the USACE Southeast Regional Supplement, ensuring you meet requirements for FDEP, Water Management Districts, and USACE Jacksonville District.
Jurisdictional Clarity – We help determine whether your wetlands fall under state, federal, or dual regulation—critical in Florida’s unique Section 404 assumption framework.
Proven Track Record – We’ve completed delineations across Florida’s diverse ecoregions, from South Florida flood zones and wet prairies to panhandle pine savannas.
Integrated Services – Our team can support everything from delineation and mitigation planning to stormwater management, permitting, and site civil design.
Responsive & Accurate – We deliver high-quality results on fast timelines—so you can make informed decisions and avoid costly permitting delays.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wetland Delineation in Florida

Is wetland delineation required in Florida before I apply for a permit?

Yes. Most land development projects in Florida require a delineation to comply with Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) guidelines set by FDEP or the appropriate Water Management District (WMD). In some cases, USACE jurisdiction still applies, and a federal delineation may also be required.

Who regulates wetlands in Florida—FDEP or USACE?

Florida assumed responsibility for many federal wetlands under State 404 Permitting in 2020, but not all wetlands are covered. Cypress helps you determine jurisdiction and ensures your delineation meets the correct agency’s standards.

Do I need a delineation if my property is upland or previously disturbed?

Yes. Many regulated wetlands in Florida don’t appear obviously wet year-round. Hydric soils and wetland vegetation can still qualify an area as jurisdictional—even on altered or upland-looking sites.

How long is a delineation valid in Florida?

Wetland determinations used for ERPs are generally valid for 5 years, but the specific agency and permit type can affect that timeline. We help keep your data and documentation up to date if project schedules shift.

Can Cypress assist with both ERP and Section 404 submissions?

Yes. We support projects regulated by FDEP, SJRWMD, SFWMD, and other WMDs—as well as those that still fall under the USACE Jacksonville District. We handle submittals, coordination, and follow-up for Jurisdictional Determinations (JDs) when required.

What’s the difference between the state’s Unified Method and the USACE method?

Florida’s Unified Method is more vegetation-focused, while USACE requires more emphasis on soil hydrology and hydric indicators. Cypress is trained and experienced in both, and we apply the right one based on your site’s jurisdiction.

Areas We Serve in Florida

Jacksonville – Wetland delineation for site development and infrastructure projects in coordination with the USACE Jacksonville District and SJRWMD
Tampa Bay Region – ERP and 404 support for residential, commercial, and transportation projects across SWFWMD jurisdiction
Orlando & Central Florida – Delineations for large-scale development, stormwater systems, and public works within SJRWMD boundaries
Miami-Dade & Broward Counties – Experience with coastal wetland types, mangrove systems, and coordination with FDEP Southeast District
Tallahassee & the Panhandle – Delineation services in north Florida floodplains and longleaf pine systems under Northwest Florida WMD
Southwest Florida (Naples, Fort Myers) – Fieldwork and permitting support for projects in wetland-prone coastal zones and restoration areas
Gainesville & Ocala – Support for state and institutional projects, road expansions, and rural land development in north-central Florida
Florida Keys & Coastal Barrier Areas – Specialized delineations for saltwater wetlands, storm surge zones, and environmentally sensitive lands

Get Trusted Wetland Delineation in Florida

Whether you’re developing land, planning infrastructure, or preparing permit applications, Cypress delivers accurate, agency-compliant wetland delineation services in Florida—with fast turnaround and full regulatory support.

Call us at: 228-596-1580
Email: [email protected]

Reach out today to request a proposal or schedule a site review. We’ll help you move forward with confidence—and compliance.