Florida Development Plans Must Make Room for the Threatened Sand Skink
Published Date: 6/12/2026
Notice
Summary
Lake County Development Partners wants permission to build homes and shops in Lake County, Florida, even though it might accidentally harm the threatened sand skink. The Fish and Wildlife Service is reviewing their plan to protect the skinks and wants your thoughts by July 13, 2026. This project could change the local landscape but aims to balance growth with wildlife care.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Upfront mitigation credit purchase required
If you are the developer, you must buy mitigation credits equal to 1.7 acres of sand‑skink habitat from the Lake Wales Ridge Conservation Bank or another Service‑approved skink bank before starting any phase of the project. The requirement applies to the proposed mixed residential and commercial development in Lake County, Florida.
10‑year incidental take permit could allow construction
The applicant has requested a 10‑year permit that would authorize incidental take of the threatened sand skink for construction on a 69.25‑acre site, including conversion of about 0.85 acres of occupied skink habitat. If the Service approves and issues ITP number PER25914032, the permit would allow the multi‑phase residential and commercial development to proceed while complying with ESA requirements.
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