Regional Offsite Mitigation Area (ROMA)

Defined by Florida  Statute, a Regional Offsite Mitigation Area (ROMA) provides a low-cost mechanism for landowners to compensate for permitted wetland impacts resulting from residential construction.

A Memorandum of Agreement has been entered into by and among the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Forestry, and the Collier Soil & Water Conservation District, which will now be allowed to acquire land or conservation easements from willing sellers only in North Golden Gate Estates to restore wetlands.

Who will benefit from a ROMA?

A property owner preparing to build on a wetland property will benefit.

How does a ROMA work?

When an application for a home site within a wetland is received, the applicant can indicate use of the established ROMA as a mitigation option, which streamlines the permitting process.

What happens during the review process?

The DEP reviews the proposed MOA to ensure the requirements are met.

Items that need to be addressed in the MOA are:

• Define specific site of the ROMA

• Explain the wetland mitigation plan as a preservation, restoration, or enhancement initiative

• Identify the parties responsible and a plan schedule

• State specific success criteria

• Detail long-term management of the site

• Define specific area where wetland impacts could be mitigated within the ROMA

• Explain mitigation tracking method

• Assure funds received will be used only for the mitigation

If you have questions, please contact Duke Vasey at dennisvasey@collierswcd.org

ROMA documents: (in PDF format)

Memorandum of Agreement between Collier Soil & Water Conservation District and Florida Department of Environmental Protection

North Golden Gate Estates Regional Offsite Mitigation Area

North Golden Gate Estates Service Area

ROMA Mitigation Plan