Turtle-safe lighting: what contractors need to know
Turtle-Safe Lighting: What Builders, Landscape Contractors, and Lighting Professionals Need to Know
In coastal Florida—especially in areas like Naples, Collier County, and Lee County—turtle-safe lighting isn’t just a best practice. It’s the law. And for builders, landscapers, and lighting professionals, failing to understand these laws can result in delays, fines, project redos, and unhappy clients.
From May 1 through October 31, sea turtle nesting season is in full effect, and both hatchlings and nesting mothers are vulnerable to artificial lighting. That’s why strict regulations exist at the city, county, state, and federal levels, and why professionals involved in outdoor lighting must be proactive, educated, and compliant.
Why Turtle Lighting Compliance Matters
Sea turtles—especially hatchlings—are drawn toward light sources. Under natural conditions, moonlight reflecting on the ocean guides them safely to the water. But hatchlings can become disoriented when artificial lighting from homes, landscaping, and public areas competes with or overwhelms that natural cue. They may crawl inland toward roads, storm drains, or predators, often leading to fatal outcomes.
As a result, lighting that is visible from the beach during nesting season must comply with strict turtle-safe lighting codes.
Codes You Need to Know: Local, State, and FWC Regulations
Each municipality has its own ordinances, but they are all rooted in the same core principles:
Local Codes: Naples, Collier County, and Lee County
- Lighting must not be visible from the beach
- Only low-wavelength (560nm or greater), amber-colored LEDs may be used
- Fixtures must be fully shielded and aimed downward
- Mounting heights must be as low as functionally possible
- Timers or motion sensors are required to limit light exposure
State Guidelines and FWC Requirements
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) plays a central role in regulating and enforcing lighting standards. The FWC provides technical assistance, conducts inspections, and can refer violations for enforcement action. If violations persist, non-compliant properties can face state-level penalties and negative media attention.
What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
Non-compliance isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a business liability. Here’s what can go wrong:
Non-compliance can result in:
- Fines and enforcement actions against the homeowner or builder
- Project delays if lighting must be redone
- Negative client relationships when customers are forced to pay twice
- Damage to your reputation with inspectors or permitting offices
- Increased scrutiny on future projects
Turtle-Safe and People Safe: You Need a Specialist on Your Side
Some inspectors or city representatives may pressure builders or homeowners to remove or dim outdoor lighting entirely. But turtle-safe doesn’t have to mean unsafe for people.
That’s where Beacon Outdoor Lighting comes in. We’ll help you navigate turtle lighting codes without sacrificing safety, security, or design.
We work with:
- Builders designing beachfront and near-coast homes
- Landscape contractors integrating lighting into outdoor designs
- Lighting professionals seeking fully compliant, aesthetically pleasing systems
Our lighting systems are fully compliant with city, county, state, and FWC standards—and we design them to:
- Protect turtles
- Pass inspections
- Look beautiful
- Keep walkways, driveways, and entries safely lit
Which Properties Must Follow Turtle Lighting Regulations?
City Of Naples
Properties within 300 feet of the Gulf of Mexico or any home where light is visible from the beach must follow the city’s Marine Turtle Protection Ordinance. This includes:
- New construction and remodels
- Lighting upgrades
- Homes on beachfront streets or with views toward the Gulf
Collier County
Applies to any property adjacent to or near sea turtle nesting beaches, including:
- Homes directly on the beach
- Coastal communities and high-rises facing the Gulf
- Homes with visible interior or exterior lighting from the beach
Lee County
Lee County’s ordinance applies to all properties where lighting is visible from the beach or dune systems, including:
- Beachfront homes
- Setback homes with elevated or exposed lighting
- Properties contributing to overall beach light pollution
Bottom Line:
If your project is within a few blocks of the beach, has any line of sight to the Gulf, or is part of a coastal development, assume turtle-safe lighting rules apply. This includes exterior lighting, landscape lights, and interior lighting visible from outside.
The Final Word
Turtle lighting isn’t a trend—it’s the law. And as a professional, it’s your responsibility to stay informed and design with compliance in mind. But compliance doesn’t have to come at the cost of design, safety, or function.
With Beacon Outdoor Lighting, you get a partner who understands the codes and knows how to work with—not against—the system. We believe in protecting Florida’s wildlife, but also in providing safe, functional, and beautiful lighting.
If you’re building, designing, or upgrading coastal property, don’t leave lighting compliance to chance.
Contact Beacon Outdoor Lighting today and get the experts on your side.