Apollo Beach and Ruskin waterfront homeowners looking to protect their property from erosion can save hundreds of dollars in permitting fees if their project qualifies as a native-based solution.

The Hillsborough County Environmental Protection Commission offers a 50% reduction in certain permitting fees for “Native Based Solutions,” according to the EPC’s fee schedule. The reduction cuts the $650 Delegated Minor Work Permit fee to $325 or the $380 Miscellaneous Activities in Wetlands permit fee for docks, boardwalks, riprap, swim access and similar activities to $190, depending on the project type.epchc

The fee schedule was amended effective May 20, 2022. Homeowners should confirm current rates and whether their proposal qualifies when contacting the EPC.

Living shorelines use native plants, oyster reefs, rocks and other natural materials to absorb wave energy and slow erosion. They can provide an alternative to hardened shoreline structures in appropriate conditions.

The Southshore Circle newsletter highlighted the program on Aug. 24, noting flooding concerns in Apollo Beach, Ruskin and Gibsonton along Tampa Bay.

A local example

The approach is not hypothetical here. In Apollo Beach, the Newman Branch Creek Living Shoreline/Tidal Creek Restoration project stabilized 575 linear feet of steep banks, created a tidal creek system that provides habitat for fish and oyster colonization, and restored more than 70 acres protected under a 100-acre conservation easement, according to a Tampa Electric blog post.

The project, a partnership between Tampa Electric and Ecosphere Restoration, received an Outstanding Contribution to the Community award at the Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission’s 43rd Annual Planning & Design Awards on Oct. 23, 2025.

More than 120 Tampa Electric volunteers installed 4,400 native plants and 300 35-pound oyster bags made from recycled oyster shells from local restaurants. The project’s planted marsh grasses filter pollutants and absorb wave energy, while oyster-shell bags provide surfaces for oyster attachment.

Not for every property

Living shorelines are not a universal fix. Properties with greater wave energy may require more substantial or hybrid shoreline protection. The EPC’s permits page encourages property owners to use environmentally beneficial methods to prevent shoreline erosion and links to Florida Living Shorelines for project examples.

For construction in tidally influenced water bodies in Hillsborough County, homeowners should use the EPC’s Minor Work Permit application. Construction in other wetlands or water bodies may require a Miscellaneous Activities in Wetlands application.

How to get started

Residents interested in the native-based-solutions fee reduction can contact EPC Wetland Staff at 813-627-2600, ext. 1239, or request a pre-application meeting through epchc.org. The EPC lists its location as 3629 Queen Palm Drive, Tampa, FL 33619.