St. Johns County, FL Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

00 of the Land Development Code, Sec. 01 and Sec. 02, governs exterior lighting on Projects reviewed through Growth Management's Planning and Zoning division. The stated purpose is to keep exterior lighting from creating hot spots, glare, obtrusive light, light pollution, and light trespass on surrounding properties. The Part applies to non-residential and multi-family uses and to common improvements of single-family developments such as recreational facilities, clubhouses, and entrance features whenever new exterior lighting is installed or existing fixtures are relocated or replaced; it also applies when 50% or more of an existing lighting system's fixtures are cumulatively upgraded, at which point the entire system must be brought into compliance.

Ordinary lamp, ballast, and pole maintenance is not covered. Under Sec. 0 footcandles next to any other use; two adjacent non-residential parcels under common ownership or sharing parking or driveways are excused from the calculation. Sec. 2 fc cap. Eleven categories are exempt outright, including correctional facilities, low-wattage holiday decorations, emergency repair lighting, code-required exit signage, gate-sensor lasers at gated communities, and lighting on registered Historic Landmark structures. The Part was most recently amended by Ord. 2025-49, following prior amendments dating back to Ord. 2000-25.