In situations where a lakeshore and/or an adjacent conservation area (wetland), has become dominated by nuisance, invasive, or exotic vegetation, a Lakeshore Protection Permit may be issued to allow the removal of these non-beneficial species. Replanting the shoreline and/or adjacent wetland with appropriate native vegetation is required following removal of the non-beneficial species.

Please note: The Florida Legislature passed an update to Section 125.022, Florida Statutes (FS), effective Oct. 1, 2025. For any applications received on or after Oct. 1, 2025, an applicant has 30 days from the date of a Request for Additional Information (RAI) letter to respond to EPD. However, Section 125.022, FS, allows the applicant to submit a written request to EPD to waive the timeframes. If a response to an RAI is not received within 30 days, or a waiver is not approved within that period, EPD will close the application. The applicant will then be required to reapply, including any application fees. An Application for Waiver can be requested from EPD by emailing WetlandPermitting@ocfl.net and can also be found under Get Forms.

1. Application for Lakeshore Protection Permit.
• Application can be mailed, delivered, faxed or emailed to:
  Orange County Environmental Protection Division (EPD),
  3165 McCrory Place, Suite 200
  Orlando, FL 32803
  Fax: (407) 836-1499
  Email: wetlandpermitting@ocfl.net
• Submit application with required materials listed on page 2. Note: two (2) copies are required of the diagram showing the location of vegetation removal area and replanting area.
2. Application is reviewed for compliance with County regulations by EPD.
3. EPD will conduct a site review.
4. EPD will send a Request for Additional Information if needed.
5. Once the permit application is administratively and technically complete, EPD issues the permit.
6. A No Objection Form may be signed by the adjacent property owners to expedite the permit process, otherwise EPD will send notification letters and the neighbors will have 30 days to comment.

• $126.00.
• $409.00 (for appeals and variances).

Environment Protection Division
3165 McCrory Place, Suite 200
Orlando, FL 32803

Email: wetlandpermitting@ocfl.net
Phone: (407) 836-1400
Fax: (407) 836-1499

All e-mail sent to this address becomes part of Orange County public record. Comments received by our e-mail subsystem can be read by anyone who requests that privilege. In compliance with "Government in the Sunshine" laws, Orange County Government must make available, at request, any and all information not deemed a threat to the security of law enforcement agencies and personnel.