Santa Rosa County, FL Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Navarre Beach shoreline zone
- Nesting season
- May 1 - October 31
- Bulb type
- Long-wavelength amber or red LED
- Prohibited (new build)
- Floodlights, accent lighting
- Code section
- LDC 3.05.07
Summary
On Navarre Beach the county's Marine Turtle Protection Lighting Ordinance (LDC 3.05.07) requires all beach-visible outdoor lighting to be shielded so it is not visible from the beach during nesting season, May 1 to October 31. New builds must use minimal, low-intensity, hooded, long-wavelength amber or red LED lighting.
All lighting including wall-mounted fixtures, pole lighting, lights on balconies, and any other type of lighting not specifically referenced by this section, shall be of low intensity and shall be fitted with hoods or positioned so that the light sources... are not visible from the beach. Whenever possible install long wavelength LED lamps producing amber or red light.
Full Breakdown
Santa Rosa County's LDC 3.05.07 protects endangered sea turtles nesting along Navarre Beach. The shoreline zone runs from the Gulf Islands National Seashore boundary east to Navarre Beach Marine Park. All outdoor lighting must be installed and shielded so the light is not visible from any beach where turtles nest, falling substantially within the property. For new development, outdoor lighting must be held to the minimum necessary for security and safety, floodlights and accent lighting are prohibited, all fixtures must be low-intensity and hooded or positioned out of beach view, and where possible use long-wavelength LED lamps producing amber or red light.
Violations & Fines
Violation of LDC 3.05.07 is a Santa Rosa County Land Development Code violation subject to fines and enforcement under the code's enforcement procedures; variances require state/federal agency review.
Frequently Asked Questions
What bulbs are turtle-friendly on Navarre Beach?
When do the beach lighting rules apply?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Rosa County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Santa Rosa County to another location·View the Florida outdoor lighting overview
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