Several species of plant and animal life in Florida that you may encounter in and around Englewood are on the Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) protected list and should not be disturbed. If there is construction going on, in many instances a permit from the State is required when building or remodeling around sensitive areas of waterfront, wetlands, and habitat areas.
In waterfront settings, one of the more closely regulated plant species is the mangrove which comes in several varieties. Red mangroves are generally found actually living in the water and this is the variety that has the branching root system that you see exposed at high mean tide. Further landward you are likely to encounter black, white, or yellow mangroves which generally have their roots in soil but are able to get their nourishment directly from salt water. These landward mangroves many times can grow large and form thick trunk systems with an overhead canopy of leaves. Red mangroves generally tend to be lower in height and spread horizontally.
The State has published guidelines for trimming man groves to get access to the waterfront for the construction of piers and docks, as well as to thin out the foliage to get a better view of the waterfront. It is important to check with the State regarding the mangroves as trimming and alterations without a permit can have rather stiff penalties.
Also included on the State's protected list are the sea oats which are commonly found among the primary dune system along the beach. The State also protects railroad runners and sea grapes in waterfront settings. It is generally unlawful to remove these naturally occurring plants although there are guidelines for their regular maintenance.
Florida also has several protected animal species which, in many circumstances, should not be disturbed when found in the wild. The better known species include the Florida panther (walk, don't run in the opposite direction), the manatee, the alligator, and the American bald eagle which is surprisingly plentiful around Florida. Some of the lesser known protected species include the Florida bobcat, the Florida osprey, the owls, loggerhead turtles, gopher tortoises, and box turtles, along with pelicans, scrub jays, and cormorants.
While not necessarily on the protected species list, you are probably better off leaving raccoons, possum, and wild pigs alone. Don't feed the alligator, he'll be back for more when you least expect it!
Should you come across a wounded animal or bird in distress, please contact animal control or Amber Lake Wildlife Refuge for assistance. These folks are well prepared and equipped to handle rescue operations.