Florida Statute 379.2431 and the Marine Turtle Protection Act require coastal property lighting to avoid illuminating nesting beaches during sea turtle nesting season. The rule applies statewide to oceanfront and beach-visible properties regardless of local sky ordinances and is enforced by FWC.
F.S. 379.2431(1) and the implementing rules under F.A.C. 68E-1 require that artificial light sources visible from the beach during nesting season (May 1 through October 31) be shielded, redirected, or extinguished to prevent disorientation of nesting sea turtles and hatchlings. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has issued a Model Lighting Ordinance most coastal cities have adopted, but the underlying statute applies statewide and creates direct civil and criminal liability even where local rules are absent. Compliant fixtures must be long-wavelength (amber or red), low to the ground, and shielded so the bulb is not visible from nesting beaches. Beachfront condominiums, hotels, and homes must comply during nesting season.
Knowing violations are second-degree misdemeanors under F.S. 379.2431(1)(e), with fines up to $500 per offense plus possible federal Endangered Species Act exposure.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Tallahassee, FL
Tallahassee regulates noise from industrial and non-residential sources by setting dB(A) limits that vary by time of day. Sounds measured at a receiving prop...
Tallahassee, FL
Tallahassee's Land Development Code Section 3-401 restricts fence materials by zone. Barbed wire, razor wire, and electrified fencing are prohibited in resid...
Tallahassee, FL
Tallahassee and Leon County prohibit animal hoarding through Ch. 4 animal-welfare provisions requiring adequate food, water, shelter, and veterinary care. Fa...
Tallahassee, FL
Tallahassee prohibits uncontrolled growth of weeds, grass, or brush exceeding 12 inches on private property under City Code Chapter 9, Section 9-61. Violatio...
Tallahassee, FL
Tallahassee has no local ordinance restricting rain barrel or rainwater harvesting system installation. Florida Statute §373.62 and the Florida-Friendly Land...
Tallahassee, FL
Tallahassee zoning and property maintenance codes do not restrict residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays at single-family homes. Politic...
See how Tallahassee's dark sky rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.