Habitat destruction caused by coastal developments in Florida has led to their listing as a threatened species by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC). 
 
Plovers require open dry sand near dunes for breeding.  Access to inner dunes is essential for brood protection; therefore, shallow dunes and dunes with steep fore slopes are not suitable nesting habitat.  Snowy plovers re-nest after losses due to storms or disturbance. Their small size and cryptic plumage make them nearly invisible to beach goers, often resulting in the unintentional destruction of its nests. Limiting disturbance by people and their dogs is necessary for the birds to breed successfully. 
 
Along the Gulf of Mexico, plovers typically build a shallow, open scrape nest between the shoreline and the frontal dune line.  Three buff-colored eggs with black markings are laid from early March to mid-July.  Incubation lasts about 26 days, and the young are capable of flight at about 30 days of age.  Two broods may be raised per season.
 
JOE has consistently demonstrated stewardship and conservation of rare and protected species at all of its coastal developments.  These developments include management plans for snowy plovers that create restricted-use conservation areas of coastal dune habitat favored for nesting, nest monitoring requirements and homeowner education programs.  These initiatives play an important role in the conservation and protection of this species at development sites.  JOE has incorporated these conservation measures at all coastal developments in Walton, Bay, Gulf and Franklin counties.
 
JOE also cooperated with the FWCC on a recent snowy plover nesting success study on its properties in Gulf and Walton Counties.  This research evaluated nest success, hatchling survival rates and causes of nest and hatchling disturbance.  This research will help identify best management practices to ensure survival of this species.