WetlandExtentLandward
WetlandExtentLandward

In real estate, water means wealth. Across Florida's coveted waterfront communities, properties with navigable water access command a premium, adding an estimated 20–30% in value compared to similar properties without it. For homeowners, that access translates not only into lifestyle benefits but also into tangible equity gains.

But today, a quiet ecological shift is threatening that equity. Mangroves, long valued for their role in coastal protection, are expanding inland and northward, building new land where there was once open water. As they advance, they constrict navigable access, reduce water depth, and limit the use of waterways by boaters and property owners. Over time, this slow but steady process means a property's appreciation lags behind others with clear access, eroding wealth for landowners who may not even realize the financial impact until it's too late.

This is where Wetland Extent Landward (WEL), led by founder Ray Goldsby, steps in. Armed with various agency authorizations, scientific expertise, and a mission to preserve both property values and ecological balance, WEL works to restore navigable waterways, protecting homeowners' equity while addressing a growing marine biology challenge.

"Fear and need drive decisions," Goldsby explains. "In this case, landowners fear the depreciation of their property. Mangroves build land, and when you build land, you lose navigable access. That means your property's value doesn't appreciate as fast as it should."

Consider a $5 million Florida waterfront estate. If navigable access is impaired, the property risks losing up to 30% in value, a potential $1.5 million hit. That lost equity doesn't just affect the homeowner; it also impacts Comparative Market Analyses (CMA), county revenues, since property taxes are tied to assessed values. "When values drop, counties collect less in taxes. When values rise, everyone benefits. Maintaining navigable access creates a positive business cycle," Goldsby adds.

The issue strikes at the heart of Florida Statutes Section 243.141, which enshrines riparian rights. These rights are not owned by individuals but are pertinent to the parcel itself, ensuring the property can 'enjoy' its waterway.

However, these rights are under pressure, a trend referred to as the 'erosion of riparian rights.' Stricter regulations and expanding mangroves are combining to limit what landowners can do with their waterfront, jeopardizing both their legal rights and their equity.

"Riparian rights are statutorily fundamental," says Goldsby. "They give the property, not the person, the right to enjoy access to navigable water. If that access disappears, so does a large portion of the property's value. Our job is to help owners protect that right ethically and scientifically."

Mangroves are not an invasive species in Florida, but their unchecked expansion creates challenges. By building land, they reduce depth and shade out benthic habitats, vital shallow-water ecosystems that support marine life. Climate change is accelerating the problem, with warmer temperatures allowing mangroves to migrate northward into areas previously unaffected. This may affect a few homeowners' space, such as their boat access.

That is why Wetland Extent Landward operates with a major work permit, ensuring that every project is conducted within regulatory guidelines and with ecological responsibility. Their process involves careful clearance of waterway obstructions to restore depth and navigability, always with an eye on minimizing environmental impact. "Everything we do is backed by science," Goldsby emphasizes. "We acquire authorization from the appropriate agencies, follow ethical practices, and balance landowner rights with ecological stewardship."

By helping landowners maintain their navigable access, WEL protects individual property value while strengthening neighboring values and the community's tax base by promoting sustainable coastal management.

The challenge for many landowners is awareness. Because mangrove growth and waterway loss happen slowly, it can be easy to overlook the impact until years of equity erosion have already passed. Goldsby urges homeowners, local commissions, and policymakers to take a proactive stance.

For Goldsby, the conversation isn't about choosing between environmental protection and property rights; it's about finding a path that respects both. "At WEL, our focus is the landowner, but we don't ignore the ecological side," he concludes. "This is about balance. By protecting riparian rights, we safeguard equity, community revenues, and the integrity of our waterways."