It was recently down-listed from endangered to threatened because of its continued recovery.  The last population survey in 1997 found 19,648 individuals in North America. 
 
In Florida, there were 1,113 known nesting territories in 2006, 36 of which were in Bay, Walton, Gulf and Franklin counties.   There are seven active nesting territories known to be on JOE lands.  These nests are managed according to USFWS and FWC standards to prevent disturbance during the nesting season.
 
Bald Eagles mate for life, unless one mate dies.  A pair will establish a nesting territory near water sources and use it for many years, sometimes their entire lives.  Bald Eagles build large stick nests in live trees, often using the same nest for several years.  In Florida, Bald Eagles begin courtship in September and nest and lay eggs in December and January.  Each pair will produce an average of two eggs. The young eagles will fledge (fly for the first time) from the nest 11 to 12 weeks after hatching and their parents will feed them for an additional six weeks.