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

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

Key Facts

Nesting season
May 1 to October 31
Lights on beach
Shielded or off, sunset–sunrise
Interior lights
Screened or off at night
Beach furniture
Removed nightly
Island city ordinances
Anna Maria, Holmes, Bradenton Bch

Summary

On Manatee County's Gulf beaches, including Anna Maria Island, lighting that shines onto the beach must be shielded or turned off between sunset and sunrise from May 1 to October 31 to protect nesting sea turtles. Beach chairs, umbrellas, and cabanas must also be removed nightly during nesting season.

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

Lights illuminating buildings or associated grounds for decorative or recreational purposes shall be shielded or screened in such a way as not to project a beam of light directly onto the beach area, or turned off between sunset and sunrise during the period of May 1 to October 31 of each year.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Manatee County is a coastal, sea-turtle-nesting county, so beachfront lighting is restricted during nesting season (May 1 to October 31). Lights illuminating buildings or associated grounds for decorative or recreational purposes must be shielded or screened so no beam of light projects directly onto the beach, or turned off between sunset and sunrise during that period. Interior lights visible from the beach must use window treatments or be turned off. Screen rooms, beach chairs, umbrellas, and cabanas must be removed nightly or stored in designated areas to prevent turtle entrapment. The Anna Maria Island cities (Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, Bradenton Beach) each adopted their own sea-turtle lighting ordinances, and county park/beach rules under Chapter 2-24 back up beach-behavior enforcement.

Violations & Fines

Beach lighting or furniture left out during nesting season is enforced under the county's beach/park rules (Chapter 2-24) and the island cities' sea-turtle ordinances, punishable by fine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to turn off beachfront lights in Manatee County?
During sea-turtle nesting season (May 1 to October 31), lights that shine onto the beach must be shielded or turned off between sunset and sunrise. Interior lights must be screened or off.
Can I leave beach chairs and umbrellas out overnight?
No. During nesting season, screen rooms, beach chairs, umbrellas, and cabanas must be removed nightly or stored in designated areas to prevent marine-turtle entrapment.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Manatee County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsLight Trespass & ShieldingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseFew RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife FeedingHeavy RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Store RulesHeavy Restrictions

All Manatee County rules

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

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