FYI:  In Florida, most major homesites have some part of their property that is designed as a nature preserve by various state and federal government agencies.  the intent is to preserve the wetland in it's natural state and still allow you to utilize the balance of the property as you desire.

Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) has the following rules that must be observed for those areas they have designated as a preserve.

1.  A 25 ft. buffer outside the wetland should not be mowed nor otherwise cultivated, filled or excavated.

2.  If the property line crosses a preserve, you may fence your property, but should not routinely mow the line.  Any posts should be set with as little disturbance as possible.

3.  If the wetland is wholly on one tract, a fence cannot exclude wildlife or concentrate domestic animals to the point that wetland vegetation is impacted.

4.  No pond or lake can be dug within or immediately adjacent to the wetland so as to change the drainage or elevation of the wetland.

These rules must be followed so that both the property owner as well as the entire community can continue to enjoy the perpetual source of beauty and enjoyment a nature preserve brings.

 Click here to view a letter from SWFWMD

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