State Authorized Professional Mangrove Trimmers (PMTs)

Professional Mangrove Trimmers

There are two paths for becoming a State Authorized Professional Mangrove Trimmer (PMT) found within the Mangrove Trimming and Preservation Act (MTPA). The first is through possessing a certification from one or more of the organizations listed in section 403.9329(1), Florida Statutes (F.S.). The second is through obtaining Departmental status by completing the requirements listed in section 403.9329(2), F.S. More information on how to satisfy these statutory requirements can be found in the headers below.

PMTs are required for all general permits and certain exempt activities. They are also recommended for individual permits used for trimming. PMTs are typically the most qualified to perform trimmings in a manner that is least damaging to the mangroves. PMT status only reflects that the person met the statutory requirements. 

The Department maintains two lists, one for PMTs with professional certifications and one for PMTs with Departmental qualification. 

There is no endorsement associated with the lists below.

Professional Certifications PMT List 

DEP Qualified PMT List

PMT Status Through Professional Certifications

Persons are automatically granted PMT status through the provision of section 403.9329(1)(a-e), F.S: 

• Certified arborists, Certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
• Professional wetland scientists (PWS), certified by the Society of Wetland Scientists
• Certified environmental professionals (CEP), certified by the Academy of Board Certified Environmental Professionals
• Certified ecologists, certified by the Ecological Society of America (ESA)
• Persons licensed under part II of Chapter 481 as Landscape Architects  (Note: The "Special Qualification" box on a qualifying Landscape Architects verification page should state “mangrove trimmer” for them to be considered PMTs.)  

This status shall be maintained as long as the professional certification remains in an active status.

To be added to DEP's list of certified professionals who are considered PMTs, please complete the request form and provide the necessary information to SLERC@FloridaDEP.gov. 

PMT Status Through Florida DEP Qualification

Persons may apply to gain status as a Florida DEP Qualified PMT through the requirements found in section 403.9329(2), F.S. These Qualified PMTs have demonstrated to the Department a sufficient level of competence to assure that they are able to conduct mangrove trimming in a manner that will ensure survival of the mangroves that are trimmed. Additionally, the Department has determined the PMTs possess the knowledge and ability to correctly identify and trim mangroves. As part of their DEP qualification, they have provided a minimum of 10 successfully completed mangrove trimming projects which were verified for compliance.

For further information on how to become a DEP Qualified PMT, please review the information found on our website and submit necessary supporting documentation to SLERC@FloridaDEP.gov. 

Local Delegated Governments

For questions regarding becoming a PMT in one of the delegated local governments, please contact the delegated entity directly. Contact information for each delegated program is provided at our Delegated Local Government page.