Horner Environmental

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING, PERMITTING AND LAND MANAGEMENT ACROSS FLORIDA

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  • Oranssi carpenter using bench saw

  • A hovercraft moving across a body of water, with greenery and trees in the background.

  • River reflecting a dense, green forest with a clear blue sky overhead.

  • A Kubota FECON forestry mulcher attachment on a compact track loader, parked next to a white pickup truck, with a background of trees, grass, and a partly cloudy sky.

  • An alligator resting on the bank near water, surrounded by trees and grass.

consulting,  permitting, managing  and  growing since  1994

A wood-paneled wall with a blue eagle logo and the letters HELP in the center. The logo is surrounded by text that reads "25 YEARS" at the top and "SINCE 1994" at the bottom.

Horner Environmental Professionals, Inc. (HEP) is a private environmental consulting firm founded in 1994 and headquartered near Tampa, Florida, with additional offices near Melbourne, Ocala, and Sarasota. We provide comprehensive environmental services, specializing in environmental permitting, listed species surveys/permitting, mitigation banking, development feasibility, and property assessment/remediation. Our expertise includes wetland jurisdictional determinations, listed species surveys, land acquisition vetting, and project management. We also offer arborist services, aquatic maintenance, and habitat restoration for both public and private clients.
At HEP, we work closely with regulatory agencies, landowners, and developers to deliver tailored, solution-oriented results that balance ecological goals with project requirements. Our primary objective is to provide professional services in an ethical manner that fulfills our clients’ objectives and strengthens our reputation in the development and regulatory communities.

Land Management
Environmental Permitting
Mitigation Banking
Land Assessment / remediation
Drone services
Wildlife Services
Aquatic Services
Arborist services
Consulting

Gopher Tortoise

Surveying & Relocation

The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a keystone species in Florida, playing a critical role in the ecosystem by providing shelter to over 350 other species. As a state-designated threatened species, both the tortoise and its burrows are protected by Florida law. Before any land development or clearing, it is mandatory to conduct a gopher tortoise survey to determine habitat presence and population density. Our team at Horner Environmental is equipped with Authorized Gopher Tortoise Agents who conduct these surveys, capture, and safely relocate tortoises as per Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) guidelines. We ensure that all activities are performed in compliance with state regulations, preserving these vital creatures while facilitating your project needs​.

Wetland

Delineation

Accurate wetland delineation is essential for regulatory compliance and environmental conservation. Our professionals utilize the latest industry practices to identify wetland boundaries, hydrology, and vegetation types. We provide comprehensive reports and support for permitting processes, ensuring your project adheres to all environmental regulations. Our expertise in wetland science helps protect water quality and wildlife habitats, contributing to sustainable development practices.

Mitigation

Banking

Mitigation banking involves restoring, creating, or enhancing wetland and forested habitats to offset unavoidable impacts from construction and development within a defined service area. The goal is to replace lost ecological functions such as wildlife habitat, water quality, and natural hydrology in a regulated, sustainable way.

HEP provides a one-stop solution for mitigation needs, including permitting, mitigation planning, land restoration and enhancement, and long-term maintenance, monitoring, and reporting. This streamlined approach helps reduce delays and ensures compliance with state and federal requirements.

Why Choose Us?

  • 30+ Years of Environmental Consulting Experience in Florida
    With over three decades of experience, HEP provides expert environmental permitting, wetland delineation, mitigation banking support, species surveys, and ecological restoration. This experience helps identify risks early, reduce costs, and keep projects moving from due diligence through completion.

    Licensed Gopher Tortoise Permitting & Relocation in Florida
    HEP includes Authorized Gopher Tortoise Agents licensed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), allowing us to handle surveys, permitting, capture, and relocation in coordination with the agency. Our experience with FWC processes ensures efficient timelines, clear communication, and full compliance.

    Streamlined Access to Florida Mitigation Bank Credits
    HEP supports multiple mitigation banks across Florida—including NeoVerde, Mary A, and Webster Creek—as a primary environmental permitting and land management provider. We stay closely coordinated with bank operators, giving clients clear guidance on credit availability, service areas, and requirements to avoid delays.

    Regulatory Compliance & Agency Coordination Across Florida
    HEP ensures compliance with all state and federal environmental regulations while working closely with agencies like the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and Florida’s Water Management Districts. This reduces revisions, prevents delays, and keeps projects on track.

    FAA-Certified Drone Mapping, Surveying & Aerial Application
    HEP uses in-house drone pilots certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to perform 2D/3D mapping, environmental surveys, volumetric analysis, and herbicide application. We also provide routine aerial progress documentation, improving accuracy, reducing field time, and supporting permitting, construction, and land management.

    Commitment to Conservation & Sustainable Land Management in Florida
    HEP prioritizes responsible environmental management to protect Florida’s natural resources. Our work focuses on preserving habitats, improving ecological function, and delivering sustainable solutions that meet both regulatory requirements and development goals.