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

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

Key Facts

Code part
LDC Chapter 30, Part 15
Core rule
No light above horizontal plane
Display/rec lots
Fully shielded / sharp cut-off
Goal
Minimize up-light, spill, glare
Applies to
Unincorporated county

Summary

Seminole County's Land Development Code Part 15 requires outdoor lighting to be shielded so no light is emitted above the horizontal plane, cutting glare and sky-glow. Display lots and recreational fields must use fully shielded or sharp-cutoff fixtures.

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

Outdoor lighting fixtures shall be shielded in such a manner that no light is emitted above a horizontal plane passing through the lowest point of the light emitting elements, so that direct light emitted above the horizontal plane is eliminated.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 23 Update 1 | Land Development Code: Supplement 2).

Full Breakdown

Under Land Development Code Chapter 30, Part 15 (Outdoor Lighting Requirements), outdoor lighting fixtures must be shielded so that no light is emitted above a horizontal plane passing through the lowest point of the light-emitting elements, eliminating direct up-light. Lighting of outdoor display lots (auto sales, building-material centers, garden centers) and outdoor recreational facilities (ball fields, tennis courts, tracks) must be fully shielded or have sharp cut-off capability to minimize up-light, spill-light, and glare. These full-cutoff and shielding requirements reduce sky-glow and protect neighboring properties. Incorporated cities apply their own lighting codes.

Violations & Fines

Non-conforming lighting is a Land Development Code violation subject to Seminole County Code Enforcement correction orders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Seminole County require shielded outdoor lights?
Yes. Fixtures must be shielded so no light is emitted above the horizontal plane, and display/recreational lighting must be fully shielded or sharp cut-off.
Is there a full dark-sky ordinance?
The county's Part 15 outdoor lighting rules use full-cutoff shielding to control up-light and glare; they function as dark-sky-friendly standards for the unincorporated area.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Seminole County

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsLight Trespass & ShieldingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseFew RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Leaf Blower RulesSome Restrictions

All Seminole County rules

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

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