Florida hosts one of the densest bald eagle nesting populations in the continental United States. The state’s unique geography and mild climate provide ideal conditions, making it a permanent home for a large number of these raptors. This population represents one of the most significant conservation successes in North American history.
Current Population Estimates and Historical Trends
Florida is currently home to an estimated 1,500 nesting pairs of bald eagles, placing the state among those with the highest concentrations outside of Alaska. Data collected during the 2023-2024 breeding season documented approximately 1,488 nests across 55 counties. This number reflects the breeding population, which is the primary metric used by wildlife agencies to track the species’ status.
The current robust numbers stand in stark contrast to the historical low point in the early 1970s. In 1973, only 88 active nesting pairs were recorded statewide, pushing the bald eagle toward extirpation in the lower 48 states. The decline was primarily driven by the widespread use of the pesticide DDT, which caused eagles to lay eggs with shells too thin to survive incubation.
The ban on DDT in 1972 allowed for a population rebound that saw occupied territories increase dramatically. By 2007, the recovery was considered successful enough that the species was removed from the federal list of threatened and endangered species. Florida followed suit in 2008, delisting the bald eagle while maintaining protections under state and federal acts.
Essential Florida Habitat Features
The factors that make Florida such a productive environment for bald eagles are tied to its geography and climate. Eagles are fish-eating raptors, and Florida’s extensive network of rivers, lakes, marshes, and coastal areas provides an abundant, year-round food supply. This access to prey, combined with the mild southern climate, allows the eagles to be non-migratory and initiate nesting much earlier than their northern counterparts.
Nesting sites require large, mature trees that can support their massive nests, which are the largest of any bird in North America. In Central and North Florida, eagles predominantly choose native pines, such as slash pines or longleaf pines, and cypress trees. Nests are often built 80 to 100 feet high, offering an unobstructed view of the surrounding area and nearby water sources.
In southern coastal regions, bald eagles build their structures in black and red mangrove trees. While most nests are built high in the canopy, some coastal nests in mangroves may be situated as low as 20 feet off the ground, a notable adaptation to the local environment.
Monitoring and Survey Methods
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is the primary agency responsible for tracking the health and size of the state’s bald eagle population. Rather than attempting to count every individual bird, the FWC focuses its efforts on surveying the number of active nesting territories. This method is considered a reliable indicator of the breeding population size and reproductive success.
Historically, the FWC conducted annual aerial surveys of all known and newly reported nesting territories throughout the state from the 1970s through the late 2000s. Since 2009, the agency implemented a modified monitoring protocol where a portion of nest territories is surveyed each year on a rotating basis. This change helps create a sustainable, long-term monitoring strategy while still providing accurate data on population trends.
The official nesting season in Florida runs from October 1st to May 15th. Surveys are concentrated during this period to determine occupancy and breeding outcomes. These professional surveys are supplemented by volunteer groups, such as Audubon’s EagleWatch program, which helps monitor nesting activity and document new sites.