Scrub Jays and How They Can Ruin Your Day

[IMAGE: Florida scrub jay bird | Alt: Florida scrub jay bird perched on oak branch in scrub habitat]

If you're looking for Florida land for sale or thinking about buying land in Florida, you need to read this. In certain parts of the state, you will come across scrub jays. This little bird could ruin your day — and your entire property purchase.

What is a Scrub Jay?

The Florida scrub jay is the only bird species endemic to the state of Florida. It was listed as a threatened state species in 1975 and as a threatened federal species in 1987. As of 1993, there were estimated to be only 4,000 breeding pairs left in the wild.

Scrub Jays on Florida Land — What It Means for You

If you buy a property in a scrub jay zone, you'll need special permits from the US Fish and Wildlife Service before you do anything to the lot. Permits for lots with scrub jays are more expensive. In Charlotte County, a building permit for a 10,000 sq ft lot in a scrub jay zone costs $2,200. If you clear the lot without approved permits, you could face a $100,000 fine as an individual or a $200,000 fine as a corporation.

How to Find Out if Scrub Jays Are on Your Land

Check the county's GIS mapping system. In Charlotte County, there's an interactive layer on their GIS map with scrub jay boundaries outlined in solid red. You can search by address or parcel number. You can also call the county's Planning and Zoning Department.

Bottom Line on Scrub Jays

Check the county's GIS mapping system before you buy any Florida land. If the property is in a scrub jay zone, you'll need special permits before any clearing or construction. Know before you buy, plan accordingly, and this is a manageable obstacle rather than a deal-breaker.