On Pensacola Beach, any light directly or indirectly visible from the marine beach must use wildlife-friendly lighting under Escambia County's Barrier Island Lighting Ordinance. Bulbs must be long-wavelength (under 580nm), shielded in full-cutoff fixtures, to protect nesting sea turtles.
Escambia County's Barrier Island Lighting Ordinance (LDC 4-5.8), amended in July 2023, protects nesting sea turtles on Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key. On Pensacola Beach, any light directly or indirectly visible from the marine beach must use wildlife-friendly lighting: bulbs and fixtures must produce long-wavelength light (under 580nm) without filters or lenses, light sources should be enclosed in a full-cutoff fixture, and fixtures should be mounted as low as safely possible at the lowest wattage needed. Windows, doors, and other glass visible from the beach must use turtle glass with a light transmittance of 45 percent or less. Requirements apply immediately to new construction; existing properties have until January 1, 2028 to comply. Nesting season runs May 1 through October
Non-compliant exterior lighting visible from the marine beach violates the Barrier Island Lighting Ordinance and is enforced by Escambia County Natural Resources Management and Code Enforcement, which can require shielding, retrofits to wildlife-friendly fixtures, turtle glass, or fines.
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