St. Lucie County, FL Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Ordinance
- SLC LDC 6.04.02 sea turtle
- Nesting season
- March 1 to November 15
- Area
- Control line to Atlantic Ocean
- Core rule
- No light seaward of dune
- New coastal builds
- Sea Turtle Protection Plan
Summary
St. Lucie County's Treasure Coast beaches are protected by a sea-turtle lighting ordinance (LDC 6.04.02). Between the coastal control line and the Atlantic, no artificial light may directly illuminate the beach seaward of the primary dune during nesting season, March 1 to November 15.
No artificial public or private light source shall directly illuminate areas seaward of the primary dune where it may deter adult female sea turtles from nesting or disorient hatchlings.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 32 | Land Development Code: Supplement 36).
Full Breakdown
Rather than a general dark-sky rule, St. Lucie County regulates beachfront lighting to protect nesting sea turtles on Hutchinson Island's 21 miles of coast. LDC 6.04.02 applies within the jurisdictional area between State Road A1A or the coastal construction control line and the Atlantic Ocean. During nesting season (March 1 through November 15) no artificial light source may directly illuminate areas seaward of the primary dune where it could deter nesting females or disorient hatchlings. New coastal development installing permanent fixtures must file a Sea Turtle Protection Plan, and lighting is verified before a Certificate of Occupancy. Fixtures must be shielded, recessed, or low-intensity so the source is not visible from the beach.
Violations & Fines
Non-compliant beachfront lighting violates LDC 6.04.02. St. Lucie County can withhold a Certificate of Occupancy, require corrective shielding, and pursue Code Compliance action; disorienting lights also risk federal and state sea-turtle protections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does St. Lucie County restrict beachfront lighting?
Does the rule apply to my inland home?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. Lucie County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare St. Lucie County to another location·View the Florida outdoor lighting overview
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