Dark Sky Rules: St. Petersburg vs Tarpon Springs
How do dark sky rules rules compare between St. Petersburg, FL and Tarpon Springs, FL?
Tarpon Springs has fewer restrictions than St. Petersburg.
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 →Tarpon Springs, FL
Pinellas County
Tarpon Springs zoning code regulates outdoor lighting through performance standards in the Comprehensive Zoning and Land Development Code, with special coastal-lighting requirements protecting nesting sea turtles along Gulf-facing properties.
View full Tarpon Springs rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | St. Petersburg | Tarpon Springs |
|---|---|---|
| City code | Sec. 16.40.070 | - |
| Fixture type | Full-cutoff shielded | - |
| Turtle season | May 1 - Oct 31 | May 1 to October 31 |
| State rule | FAC 62B-55 | - |
| First fine cap | $250 per day | - |
| Code location | - | Zoning Code Articles II and IV |
| Fixture standard | - | Full cutoff or shielded |
| Coastal rules | - | Long-wavelength, low-mounted |
| Statewide overlay | - | Marine Turtle Protection Act |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Tarpon Springs FAQ
Do Tarpon Springs lighting rules apply to my single-family home?
Most performance lighting standards apply to new development and site plans, but coastal turtle-lighting rules apply to all properties in nesting habitat regardless of use type.
What is sea-turtle-friendly lighting?
Fixtures that are long-wavelength (amber or red), fully shielded, and mounted as low as possible, so light is not visible from the beach during nesting season.
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