Light Trespass: Seminole vs St. Petersburg
How do light trespass rules compare between Seminole, FL and St. Petersburg, FL?
Seminole and St. Petersburg have similar restriction levels.
Seminole, FL
Pinellas County
Seminole prohibits outdoor lighting that creates glare, illuminates adjacent properties beyond reasonable thresholds, or interferes with traffic safety. Light trespass is enforced through nuisance and zoning code provisions.
View full Seminole rules →St. Petersburg, FL
Pinellas County
St. Petersburg Section 16.40.070 prohibits glare and light trespass onto abutting properties, requiring shielded fixtures and limiting illumination at the property line.
View full St. Petersburg rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Seminole | St. Petersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Property line cap | 0.5 fc residential | - |
| Glare prohibited | Yes, off-site | - |
| Complaint route | Code enforcement | - |
| Correction window | 14-30 days typical | - |
| Motion sensors | Preferred | - |
| City code | - | Sec. 16.40.070(4) |
| Standard | - | No glare or trespass |
| Applies to | - | All exterior lighting |
| Enforcement | - | Codes Compliance |
| First fine cap | - | $250 per day |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Seminole FAQ
What can I do about a neighbor's bright floodlight?
File a code enforcement complaint with the City of Seminole. Investigators can require shielding or redirection if the light constitutes trespass or nuisance.
Are security lights allowed in Seminole?
Yes, security lights are permitted, but they must be shielded and aimed to avoid spilling unreasonable illumination onto adjacent properties or rights-of-way.
What is the foot-candle limit at property lines?
Commercial sites are typically limited to 0.5 foot-candles at residential boundaries during site plan review, though specific values depend on adjacent zoning.
St. Petersburg FAQ
What can I do about a neighbor's bright lights in St. Petersburg?
File a complaint with St. Petersburg Codes Compliance citing Section 16.40.070(4). Inspectors document the trespass at your property line and issue a notice requiring shielding or reaiming.
Are motion-sensor security lights allowed in St. Petersburg?
Yes. Motion lights are allowed, but they must be shielded and aimed so the beam does not produce glare or light trespass onto an adjoining property under Section 16.40.070(4).
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