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About FAMB

The Florida Association of Mitigation Bankers (FAMB) was established in 2008 for the purpose of promoting and advancing an efficient and successful compensatory private wetland and conservation marketplace that supports economic development and ecological function through the restoration of wetlands, streams and species’ habitats throughout the State of Florida. FAMB members consists of industry professionals including mitigation bankers, environmental consultants, engineers, restoration contractors and other service related firms who work within the industry.

FAMB provides an industry voice in Tallahassee which advocates and supports appropriate legislative and regulatory policies to ensure the mitigation banking industry’s sustainability and expansion.

Accomplishments

  • In 2012, FAMB successfully organized and lobbied an amendment to 373.4135 F.S. which significantly limits the use of publicly owned conservation land for mitigation.
  • In 2014, FAMB organized, drafted and successfully lobbied the passing of an amendment to 373.4137 F.S. allowing the Florida Department of Transportation to prioritize the utilization of mitigation bank credits for transportation projects requiring mitigation.
  • Annually, FAMB has successfully defeated repeated attempts to repeal the above language passed in 2012 by various industries, including mining and city and county governments.
  • In 2018, FAMB provided comments to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection that was key in the decision which allowed mitigation banking permitting to be retained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
  • In 2024, the Association hired a new Executive Director with over 20 years of experience public sector regulatory agencies.
  • Also in 2024, FAMB  created and implemented the new Board liaison process to increase communication with members.
  • In 2024 we conducted two FAMB Member surveys.
  • FAMB joined ERBA in 2024 to take our federal involvement to the next level.

2025 Goals

  • Strong lobbying efforts in Tallahassee to enhance and protect the mitigation bank industry and improve credit deficient basins.
  • Sponsor a Regulatory Workshop, October 2025. The workshop will include top mitigation bank regulators from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, local Water Management Districts, USFWS and FWC.
  • Formally address Financial Assurances, service areas, 404 Assumption and other regulatory concerns that arise.
  • New website to include an interactive state map to include all member mitigation banks.
  • Bi-monthly newsletter that provides state-wide, federal, and industry related updates and resources.

2024/25 Board

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Board Members (L to R): Front Row Treasurer Helen Hutchins, immediate past president Kae Hovater, Director Amber Mitchel, President Ryan Deibler, Director Holly Heidemanns, Director Kelly Sands; Back Row Director John Lesman, Director Aaron Landry, Secretary Sarah Nelson, Vice-president Joseph Williams, Director Chris Tanner, and Director Dr. Clay Thompson