Escambia County, FL Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Ordinance
- Barrier Island Lighting, LDC 4-5.8
- Wavelength
- Long-wavelength, under 580nm
- Fixture
- Full cut-off, low-mounted
- Turtle glass
- 45% transmittance or less
- Compliance deadline
- Jan 1, 2028 (existing)
Summary
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.
Any light directly or indirectly visible from the marine beach must utilize wildlife-friendly lighting... Bulbs and fixtures must produce long wavelength light (<580nm) without the use of filters or lenses. Light sources should be enclosed in a full cut off fixture.
Full Breakdown
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.
Violations & Fines
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What lighting is required on Pensacola Beach?
When do existing beach homes have to comply?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Escambia County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Escambia County to another location·View the Florida outdoor lighting overview
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