Safe, Legal Tortoise Relocation That Respects Wildlife and Your Land
When a gopher tortoise sets up camp in the wrong place, it’s more than an inconvenience—it can delay projects, damage landscaping, or risk fines.
More Leaf Tractor Service, located in
Jacksonville, FL, provides
humane, legal tortoise relocation
services across Northeast Florida and South Georgia. Our team specializes in safe
trapping and relocation that follows state guidelines and keeps both your land and the tortoise protected.
What Is Tortoise Relocation, and Why Does It Matter?
Tortoise relocation is a specialized wildlife service focused on the safe handling of gopher tortoises, a protected species under Florida and Georgia law. These burrowing reptiles play a vital role in local ecosystems, but their underground tunnels can interfere with construction, grading, and land clearing.
If you’ve spotted a tortoise—or a large, open burrow—on your site, it’s critical to act before disturbing the area. Our licensed team can
survey the land, trap the tortoise safely, and
relocate it to an approved habitat.
Licensed Trapping and Relocation
Inspection and Permit Handling
We start with a full site walk and document active burrows. If removal is needed, we handle the permit application process to meet legal requirements in both Florida and Georgia.
Humane Trapping
Using state-approved methods, we set live traps designed to protect the tortoise during capture. Our team monitors all traps daily, ensuring the animal’s safety and comfort.
Safe Relocation
Once captured, the tortoise is transported to a pre-approved relocation site, often a conservation area or managed habitat that ensures its long-term safety.
Post-Relocation Land Work
After relocation, we can backfill and grade the burrow area. This prevents future collapses and prepares your land for use—whether it's development, farming, or landscaping.
Why You Should Never DIY Tortoise Relocation
Gopher tortoises are protected by strict state laws.
Unauthorized relocation or harassment can result in fines and legal action. More Leaf Tractor Service ensures everything is done by the book, from permitting to release. We work closely with state wildlife agencies to follow best practices at every step.
Working With Experts Matters
Our tortoise relocation crew has deep experience in wildlife-safe handling and regulated relocation procedures. We stay current on legal updates, habitat requirements, and transport rules—so you don’t have to. Every member of our team is trained, insured, and committed to doing the job right.
Who Needs Tortoise Relocation?
- Homeowners building new homes or driveways
- Land developers clearing acreage or prepping lots
- Municipal contractors working on roads, schools, or parks
- Real estate investors with lots in turtle-prone zones
If your land has burrows, our team can evaluate and recommend the right next step—with
fast turnaround and zero guesswork.
What Our Clients Say
Coming Soon…
FAQs About Tortoise Relocation
How long does tortoise relocation take?
It depends on permit approval and trap success, but most projects wrap up in 7–10 days.
Is relocation legal?
Yes, but only with proper permits and relocation to state-approved sites. We handle all of this.
Can I fill in the burrow myself?
No. Disturbing a tortoise burrow is illegal in most areas. Let a licensed professional handle it.
Do you offer emergency services?
Yes. If a tortoise is blocking urgent site work, we can expedite the inspection and permit process.
What areas do you serve?
We provide tortoise relocation services across Jacksonville, Amelia Island, St. Marys, Brunswick, and surrounding regions.
Get expert help that protects your property and the tortoise. Call More Leaf Tractor Service today at
(904) 555-1234 for fast, legal tortoise relocation in Northeast Florida and South Georgia.
