Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Charlotte County

Charlotte County, FL Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Nesting Season
May 1 to Oct 31
Beach Fixtures
Shielded, low, amber
Amber Light
560 nm or greater
State Model
§161.163; FWC 62B-55

Summary

Charlotte County has no general inland dark-sky ordinance, but its Gulf beaches carry a real sea-turtle lighting rule. On Manasota Key, Don Pedro Island, and the Englewood beaches, coastal fixtures must be shielded, amber, and kept dark during nesting season, May 1 to October 31.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Charlotte County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

The department shall also adopt by rule guidelines for local government regulations that control beachfront lighting to protect hatching sea turtles.

Source: Florida StatutesView official code

Full Breakdown

Charlotte County's barrier-island beaches, Manasota Key, Don Pedro Island, and the Stump Pass/Englewood shoreline, are loggerhead and green sea-turtle nesting habitat, so the county enforces a sea turtle protection ordinance controlling beachfront lighting under its land development code. During nesting season (May 1 to October 31), Gulf-visible lighting must be shielded and mounted low, use long-wavelength amber bulbs (about 560 nanometers or greater), and windows facing the Gulf need tinted glass or covering so hatchlings are not disoriented away from the water. The county follows Florida's model turtle-lighting framework (Fla. Stat. §161.163 and FWC rule 62B-55). Inland, ordinary lighting is governed by zoning glare limits, not a dark-sky mandate.

Violations & Fines

Beachfront lights that spill onto the nesting zone draw a code-compliance notice and a deadline to shield, re-aim, or replace fixtures. Repeat coastal-lighting violations during nesting season bring escalating fines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my lights if I live on Manasota Key?
During nesting season, Gulf-facing lights must be shielded, mounted low, and use long-wavelength amber bulbs, with tinted or covered windows facing the beach, so hatchlings are not drawn away from the water.
Does Charlotte County have a dark-sky ordinance inland?
No general inland dark-sky ordinance, and Florida has no statewide one. The strict lighting rules apply to the Gulf beaches for sea-turtle protection; inland lighting is handled through zoning glare limits.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Charlotte County

Parking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsLight Trespass & ShieldingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions

All Charlotte County rules

Florida rules heatmap·Compare Charlotte County to another location·View the Florida outdoor lighting overview

Get notified when Dark Sky Rules in Charlotte County, FL changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.