Outdoor Lighting in Manatee County, FL (2026)
2 rules for unincorporated Manatee County, Florida.
Verified from official government sources
Dark Sky Rules
On Manatee County's Gulf beaches, including Anna Maria Island, lighting that shines onto the beach must be shielded or turned off between sunset and sunrise from May 1 to October 31 to protect nesting sea turtles. Beach chairs, umbrellas, and cabanas must also be removed nightly during nesting season.
Sea Turtle Beach Lighting and Dark-Sky Rules in Manatee County
Some RestrictionsAnna Maria Island sea-turtle lighting ordinances (Manatee County beaches)
Lights illuminating buildings or associated grounds for decorative or recreational purposes shall be shielded or screened in such a way as not to project a beam of light directly onto the beach area, or turned off between sunset and sunrise during the period of May 1 to October 31 of each year.
Light Trespass & Shielding
In unincorporated Manatee County, outdoor lighting fixtures must have full oblique shielding so a property's lights do not directly illuminate a neighbor. Total spillover onto another property with a lighting-protected area may not exceed 0.2 foot-candles (1.5 foot-candles onto street rights-of-way).
Light Trespass and Spillover Limits in Manatee County
Some RestrictionsManatee County LDC 806.4 (Illumination Limits)
The total illumination caused by all of a property's outdoor lighting ... shall not illuminate another property in excess of the following limits: 0.2 foot-candles on property with outdoor lighting protected areas but not including the street rights-of-way. 1.5 foot-candles on street rights-of-way.
All Manatee County ordinances
See every category we cover for Manatee County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Manatee County Ordinance Hub →