The Department of Environmntal Protection ("DEP") implements statutes that regulate the alteration and trimming of mangroves. Three species of tropical wetland trees that grow along the shoreline of many estuaries in central and southern Florida are classified as mangroves; they are the Red Mangrove, the White Mangrove, and the Black Mangrove. The trimming and alteration of mangroves is governed by Sections 403.9321-403.9333 of the Florida Statutes, Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act.
The mangrove program is implemented by the DEP as well as several delegated local governments. Mangrove trimming and alteration may be done by property owners under certain exemptions, as specified in Section 403.9326 of the Florida Statutes. Other trimming will require the services of a professional mangrove trimmer and may require a permit.
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