Orlando regulates outdoor lighting through the Land Development Code to minimize light pollution and glare. Commercial and multi-family developments must use full cutoff or shielded fixtures that direct light downward. While Orlando does not have a formal dark-sky ordinance like some rural communities, the city's lighting standards aim to reduce sky glow and spillover. Proximity to Orlando International Airport adds lighting considerations.
Orlando's outdoor lighting regulations in the Land Development Code require new commercial, industrial, and multi-family developments to submit photometric plans demonstrating compliance with maximum illumination levels at property boundaries. Full cutoff fixtures that prevent upward light emission are required or encouraged. Parking lot and security lighting must be designed to minimize glare onto adjacent properties and roadways. The city's lighting standards consider the proximity to Orlando International Airport, where excessive upward light can impact aviation safety. Residential properties have less stringent requirements but must avoid creating a nuisance for neighbors.
Non-compliant lighting on new development: permit hold until corrected. Existing lighting creating nuisance: code enforcement complaint process. Fines up to $250 per day for continued violations.
Orlando, FL
Orlando has no city ordinance regulating residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays on private property. Property maintenance rules under Ci...
Orlando, FL
Orlando has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Inflatables are permitted on private property subject to right...
Orlando, FL
Orlando has no city ordinance specifying installation dates, removal deadlines, or brightness limits for residential holiday light displays. Amplified outdoo...
Orlando, FL
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Orlando require multiple permits through Orlando Permitting Services: a building permit for the structure, a gas permit for natu...
Orlando, FL
Orlando has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential backyard smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens. Operation is governed by Chapter 43 (...
Orlando, FL
Orlando adopts the Florida Fire Prevention Code (FFPC), which incorporates NFPA 1 and the relevant provisions of IFC §308.1.4. Charcoal grills and LP-gas con...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how other cities in Orange County handle dark sky rules.
See how Orlando's dark sky rules rules stack up against other locations.
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