Florida wetland screening
Screen mapped features, compare them with the planned project area and understand when parcel-specific wetland evaluation may be necessary.
Florida screening workflow
Wetlands and planned disturbanceThe National Wetlands Inventory and other map layers can help identify a concern. Florida wetland boundaries and regulatory outcomes may require parcel-specific evaluation or a formal determination.
Interpretation
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Wetlands Mapper provides public access to National Wetlands Inventory data. It is useful for identifying mapped features and downloading data for further research.
Florida wetland evaluation and formal determinations follow state processes. A project may also involve other federal, state, regional or local authorities. The correct next step depends on the parcel and planned activity.
Official sources
Federal Emergency Management Agency · United States
Official flood-map search and flood-hazard products.
Important: Flood maps do not replace insurance, survey, elevation, permitting or site-specific professional review.
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service · United States
Mapped wetland and deepwater screening data.
Important: Mapped data does not establish regulatory jurisdiction or a parcel-specific wetland boundary.
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service · United States
Official soil maps, properties and interpretations for an area of interest.
Important: Soil mapping is a planning resource and does not replace a site evaluation, perc test or engineering investigation.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection · Florida
Official context for Florida wetland evaluation, delineation and formal determinations.
Important: Map screening is not a formal or jurisdictional delineation and does not approve development.
Frequently asked
The answer depends on the actual wetland boundary, jurisdiction, proposed impacts, available upland area, permits, avoidance and minimization, mitigation and other project requirements. A map alone cannot decide it.
It is a valuable screening dataset, but mapped presence or absence is not a parcel-specific regulatory delineation and may not capture every field condition.
Florida DEP describes a formal determination as a legally binding determination of the landward extent of wetlands and other surface waters for the real property, subject to the applicable law and validity period.
Yes. Wetlands, water table, soils, setbacks, drainage and the location of a primary and replacement area can reduce the usable footprint for onsite wastewater.