Dark Sky Rules: Dunedin vs St. Petersburg
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Dunedin, FL and St. Petersburg, FL?
Dunedin has fewer restrictions than St. Petersburg.
Dunedin, FL
Pinellas County
Dunedin regulates outdoor lighting through its Land Development Code and zoning chapters, requiring shielded fixtures, glare control, and sea-turtle-friendly lighting in coastal areas. The city is not a designated International Dark Sky community but enforces Florida's coastal lighting model ordinance.
View full Dunedin rules →St. Petersburg, FL
Pinellas County
St. Petersburg's lighting code under Section 16.40.070 requires shielded, downward-directed fixtures, and coastal properties must follow the Florida sea turtle model lighting ordinance during nesting season.
View full St. Petersburg rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dunedin | St. Petersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Full cutoff required | Commercial and multi-family | - |
| Coastal turtle rules | May 1 - Oct 31 | - |
| Plan review | Required at site-plan stage | - |
| Code chapters | Chapters 103-107 LDC | - |
| Dark Sky designation | Not currently certified | - |
| City code | - | Sec. 16.40.070 |
| Fixture type | - | Full-cutoff shielded |
| Turtle season | - | May 1 - Oct 31 |
| State rule | - | FAC 62B-55 |
| First fine cap | - | $250 per day |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Dunedin FAQ
Does Dunedin have a dark-sky ordinance?
Dunedin is not an International Dark Sky community, but the Land Development Code requires shielded, low-glare lighting and Florida's coastal model ordinance applies near the Gulf.
What lighting rules apply during sea turtle nesting season?
From May 1 through October 31, beachfront properties must use shielded amber lighting, low mounting heights, and tinted windows to prevent disorienting nesting and hatchling sea turtles.
Can my business install bright LED parking lot lights?
Only if the fixtures are full-cutoff and meet the Land Development Code's glare, light-trespass, and uniformity standards reviewed at site-plan approval.
St. Petersburg FAQ
Do I need turtle-safe lights in St. Petersburg?
Properties visible from Gulf beaches must use long-wavelength, shielded, low-mounted lighting between May 1 and October 31 under Florida sea turtle rules, in addition to Section 16.40.070 of the city code.
Are bright white floodlights allowed in St. Petersburg?
Only if they are full-cutoff and shielded so light points downward and does not trespass onto adjoining property under Section 16.40.070. Coastal properties face additional color and intensity limits.
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