The Florida Scrub Jay is the only species of bird that is unique to Florida.  They are Federally Threatened and occasionally present in a variety of xeric scrub habitats throughout much of the State. Fire suppression and habitat destruction/fragmentation has negatively impacted scrub jay communities throughout much of their range.  

The main factor in claiming an area as potential scrub jay habitat is the presence of scrub oaks; no matter how sparsely distributed.  These scrub oaks mature to a maximum height of about 20-feet, but provide the best scrub jay habitat at around 6-feet.

If these oaks are present and the property is within the scrub jay consultation area (see map below), you are required to prove the birds are not on the property by having a private consultant complete a 5-day survey. Verde can help determine if scrub is present or the extent of the scrub habitat present.  Also, if you choose to have a scrub jay survey performed, we can help with that as well.  Scrub jay surveys can be conducted between March 1st and October 31st.  If scrub jays are found, you will be required to purchase mitigation credits from a nearby scrub jay conservation bank prior to development.