Please be advised that you will need to apply for a permit for any removal or control of aquatic weeds, regardless of the size or ownership of that body of water, with EPC Hillsborough County (EPC.org). This is a free permit that can be filled out online:  WNV15 – Application for Nuisance/Exotic Veg Removal.

For a fee, we can fill out the form for you (fee waived with monthly service agreement). You would need to fill out a form giving us permission to apply on your behalf: Designation of Authorized Representative.  We will meet with you to discuss the scope of work; then submit the application which lists the invasive plants and method of control (chemical/physical), then EPC sends out an agent to pre-inspect the site and will either approve the application, or work with you to produce a plan that is in the best interest of all life that shares that space. We then complete the work, according to the permit, and EPC will perform a post-inspection. Keep in mind that they may need to return in the future to check on the status before closing out the permit.

Generally, an alligator may be considered a nuisance if it’s at least 4 feet in length and believed to pose a threat to people, pets or property, Alligators less than 4 feet in length are not large enough to be dangerous to people or pets, unless handled. You should never handle an alligator, even a small one, because alligator bites can result in serious infection and it’s illegal. If there’s an alligator under 4 feet in your swimming pool, on your porch, or in a similar situation, call the Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWCGATOR (866-392-4286) and FWC will dispatch a contracted nuisance alligator trapper to resolve the situation.