Dark Sky Rules: Pinellas Park vs St. Petersburg
How do dark sky rules rules compare between Pinellas Park, FL and St. Petersburg, FL?
Pinellas Park has fewer restrictions than St. Petersburg.
Pinellas Park, FL
Pinellas County
Pinellas Park requires outdoor lighting to use cut-off fixtures so illumination does not spill onto adjacent lots or roadways, under the Land Development Code. The city does not have a formal Dark Sky designation but enforces shielding and glare-control standards.
View full Pinellas Park 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 | Pinellas Park | St. Petersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Fixture type | Cut-off / shielded required | Full-cutoff shielded |
| Code chapter | Chapter 18 (LDC) | - |
| Glare rule | No driver-vision interference | - |
| Dark Sky status | Not formally designated | - |
| Sea turtle lighting | Coastal county rules apply | - |
| City code | - | Sec. 16.40.070 |
| Turtle season | - | May 1 - Oct 31 |
| State rule | - | FAC 62B-55 |
| First fine cap | - | $250 per day |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Pinellas Park FAQ
Do I need a permit for new exterior house lighting?
Standard residential porch and yard lighting typically does not need a permit, but commercial lighting plans, parking lots, and new construction lighting must be reviewed under the Land Development Code.
Are LED floodlights allowed in residential yards?
Yes, if they are aimed downward, fully shielded, and do not project onto neighboring property or roadways. Improperly aimed floodlights can be cited as light trespass.
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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