Lee County, FL Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Nightly hours
- 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Season dates
- May 1 through October 31
- Beach-visible bulbs
- 25-watt yellow bug type
- Prohibited lighting
- Mercury vapor and metal halide
- Parking lot poles
- 12 feet maximum height
Summary
On unincorporated Gulf of Mexico beaches, Lee County's sea turtle division bars artificial light from directly or indirectly illuminating nesting habitat during nesting season, defined as 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. from May 1 through October 31.
Nesting season means from 9:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m. during the period of May 1 through October 31 of each year... Existing development must ensure that sea turtle nesting habitat is not directly or indirectly illuminated by [artificial light and that light from existing] development is not directly or indirectly visible from the beach, dune, or other sea turtle nesting habitat during the nesting season.
Full Breakdown
Existing development must ensure nesting habitat is not directly or indirectly illuminated by its lighting during the season, and must follow the Section 14-79 measures to cut interior light escaping through doors and windows. New development needs an approved lighting plan, tinted glass or window film on glass visible from the beach, and fixtures that are completely shielded downlight-only or recessed with 25-watt yellow bug bulbs; mercury vapor and metal halide are prohibited. Parking lot poles may be no higher than 12 feet with sodium bulbs of 150 watts or less. Low-profile fixtures should be no taller than 48 inches with bulbs of 35 watts or less.
Violations & Fines
A rebuttable presumption of violation arises when artificial light casts a shadow of an opaque object in nesting habitat during the season. Violations are prosecuted under LDC Chapter 2, Article VII.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do Lee County beach lighting rules apply?
What lighting can I use on a beachfront home?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lee County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Lee County to another location·View the Florida outdoor lighting overview
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