To enhance protections for nesting sea turtles and their hatchlings, Monroe County has updated its lighting regulations to align with Florida’s model lighting ordinance for marine turtle protection (62B-55, F.A.C.).
These changes reflect significant advancements in sea turtle research and lighting technology, ensuring that coastal lighting minimizes disorientation risks for hatchlings.
Sea turtle nesting season in the Florida Keys runs from April 15 through Oct. 31. During this critical time, bright, artificial lights can disorient hatchlings, leading them away from the ocean.
The updated guidelines emphasize three key principles to reduce this risk:
- Keep it long – Use long-wavelength amber, orange, or red lighting (560 nm or greater). Note: yellow “bug bulbs” no longer meet this requirement.
- Keep it low – Install fixtures as low as possible and use the lowest wattage/lumens as possible.
- Keep it shielded – Direct light downward and use full cut-off shields to prevent illumination from reaching the beach area.
Additionally, temporary beach structures such as chairs, cabanas and umbrellas must be removed nightly or placed in a way that does not obstruct nesting turtles or hatchlings.
Residents and businesses can visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) website for certified wildlife-friendly lighting options (scan the QR code here). Off-list products may be used if they adhere to the sea turtle-friendly lighting principles.
For more information on compliance and wildlife-friendly lighting, contact a Monroe County biologist at 305-289-2500.
